Bulgarian Opposition Party Slams Proposed Budget, Labeling it Anti-Family and Anti-Worker
VMRO Slams Proposed Cuts in Maternity Benefits, Raises Concerns Over Social Security
The Bulgarian nationalist party VMRO – Buldarian National Movement blasted what they termed unacceptable proposals for the 2025 state budget, labeling the current government’s approach as disrespectful and harmful to Bulgarian families and working individuals.
Dr. Krasimir Karakachanov, leader of VMRO and former deputy prime minister, issued a scathing critique of the budget proposals suggesting that the government is “mocking mothers and working people.”
One of the most contentious points raised by VMRO concerns the planned freeze on second-year maternity benefits at Bgn 780. They argue that, given Bulgaria’s demographic crisis, this benefit should be increased, not decreased.
“Raising a child is an expensive undertaking in Bulgaria, and the state must take this into account,” Karakachanov asserted, criticizing the proposed amount as a mockery that disregards the reality of raising a child in today’s economy.
Furthermore, VMRO vehemently opposes the proposed increase in “maximum insurance income.” They argue it “punishes workers” as it essentially levies higher taxes on those who earn more, contributing to a larger gray sector by disincentivizing labor.
They contend that such measures are illogical and will do little to address systemic issues within Bulgaria’s social security system.
Instead of prioritizing short-term fixes, VMRO advocates for a comprehensive overhaul of the welfare system, arguing that hundreds of millions are being lost to fraudulent disability claims while those who truly need support are neglected.
“Welfare theft and fake TELKs should be stopped, not insurance lifted,” Karakachanov stated, echoing a sentiment shared by many Bulgarians concerned about the integrity and efficiency of the welfare system.
This criticism of the proposed budget extends beyond simply financial matters. VMRO took aim at the proposed 10% budget cut to administrative allowances, deeming it insufficient.
They argue that instead of minor cuts to administrative costs, the government should focus on more substantial reductions in unnecessary expenses within ministries, commissions, and other governmental entities.
“The proposal of the ‘Glavchev’ cabinet for 10% is frivolous. We need to see at least a 30% reduction in the bloated expenses of ministries, commissions, and all kinds of departments,” stated Karakachanov, highlighting the existing inefficiency plaguing the Bulgarian public sector.
Finally, VMRO expresses their disappointment with the lack of transparency surrounding the implementation of the capital program and the proposed allocation of over 1 billion leva framed for municipalities in 2024.
Expressing dissatisfaction with a process that has been shrouded in uncertainty, they criticize the government’s approach to budget planning, questioning their commitment to transparency and accountable governance.
Instead of prioritizing solutions aimed at boosting the Bulgarian economy and improving living standards, the current draft budget, according to VMRO, promises a continuation of the same ineffective policies that have failed to address crucial issues plaguing Bulgarian families and working people.
VMRO condemns these purifier policies calling them a continuation of the failed policies enacted by the previous “Petkov” and “Denkov” cabinets. They see it as another assault on the livelihoods of ordinary Bulgarians, failing to address the needs of families and instead opting for austerity measures that disproportionately impact the most vulnerable in Bulgarian society.
What are VMRO’s main concerns regarding the proposed freeze on second-year maternity benefits?
## Interview with Dr. Krasimir Karakachanov
**Interviewer:** Dr. Karakachanov, thank you for joining us today. Your party, VMRO, has been quite vocal in its criticism of the proposed 2025 state budget. Can you elaborate on your main concerns?
**Dr. Karakachanov:** Thank you for having me. This budget proposal, frankly, is unacceptable. It disrespects Bulgarian families and hardworking people.
**Interviewer:** Your party is particularly critical of the freeze on second-year maternity benefits. Can you explain why this is such a significant point for VMRO?
**Dr. Karakachanov:** Bulgaria is facing a serious demographic crisis. We need to encourage families to have children, not make it harder for them. Freezing maternity benefits at such a low amount [1] is a mockery. Raising a child is expensive. The state needs to provide adequate support, not cut it.
**Interviewer:** VMRO also opposes the proposed increase in “maximum insurance income.” What are your arguments against this measure?
**Dr. Karakachanov:** This essentially raises taxes on higher earners, effectively punishing those who contribute more. It discourages legal work and pushes people towards the gray sector. This is not a solution to the problems within our social security system.
**Interviewer:** So, what is VMRO’s alternative?
**Dr. Karakachanov:** We need a comprehensive overhaul of the welfare system. Hundreds of millions are being lost to fraudulent claims, while those who genuinely need help are neglected. We need to crack down on abuse and ensure resources go directly to those who need them most. [2]
**Interviewer:** Some might argue that these are complex issues that require time and careful consideration.
**Dr. Karakachanov:** True, but delaying action only exacerbates the problems. The current budget proposal is a short-sighted, band-aid solution that ignores the core problems. We need a bold, comprehensive plan that puts Bulgarian families and workers first.
**Interviewer:** Dr. Karakachanov, thank you for sharing your perspective with us today.
**Footnotes:**
[1]: This information relates to the Bulgarian nationalist party VMRO – Bulgarian National Movement’s criticism of the proposed 2025 state budget and their concerns about reduced maternity benefits and social security issues.
[2]: The information is derived from the provided news snippet and does not directly reference the specific resource on VMRO - Bulgarian National Movement.
