site.btaCaretaker PM Sees Moving 2025 State Budget to Parliament as "Very Risky" with New Elections Looming

It is very risky to submit a budget to Parliament with elections looming, caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev told journalists here Monday. He participated in the celebration of the 133rd anniversary of the Military Medical Academy (MMA).

"The first vote is on the budget's philosophy - I do not expect any surprises there, but when the proposals start between the first and second reading, it becomes dangerous," the caretaker Prime Minister said. The budget will be submitted to the National Assembly once the political situation becomes clear, Glavchev explained.

"The Council of Ministers is ready with the budget for next year and the Ministry of Finance has presented it to the political forces, as well as the measures that are foreseen in order to maintain the 3% deficit, which is our benchmark, so that we can enter the eurozone - this goal remains unchanged," said Dimitar Glavchev. In view of the current circumstances, we have nowhere to submit the budget, he added.

"The dilemma is serious. If there is going to be a regular government, it is best to submit a budget for next year. If there is not, there will be looming elections and then it is extremely risky to submit a budget. We are ready for all options," he said.

Parliament failed to elect its chair even after the eighth attempt on Friday. There will be a ninth attempt on Wednesday. Glavchev called on politicians in Parliament to start working, so the budget can be implemented.

Asked whether there is a risk for Bulgaria to lose money under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, Glavchev said there is no such danger, adding that there are several laws that need to be adopted.