Bulgarian Pensioners to Protest Against 2025 Budget Over Pension Increase

Bulgarian Pensioners to Protest Against 2025 Budget Over Pension Increase

Bulgaria

The United Pensioners' Unions (UPU) announced Wednesday that its members will stage mass protests against the government’s 2025 State Budget Bill, which proposes a pension increase of only 5%. UPU argues that this falls short of the expected 8-9% and violates the Swiss rule, which ties pension adjustments to inflation and wage growth, CE Report quotes BTA

The association claims the new formula reduces pension increases by nearly half, further deteriorating the living standards of approximately 2 million Bulgarian pensioners.

Protests are set to take place on Thursday, February 20, at 11:00 a.m. in front of regional administration offices across the country. UPU warns that any breach of the Swiss rule is not only harmful to pensioners but also unconstitutional and will be legally challenged.

Additionally, UPU is calling on lawmakers to reject the proposed budget and cancel their own planned salary increase of BGN 800.

Tags

Related articles

Bulgarian Chef Heads to Paella World Final
Chef Kaloyan Kolev from Varna will represent Bulgaria in the World Paella Day finals in Valencia on September 20, after winning the national qualifier held Sunday in Burgas.
Bulgaria Wins Six Medals at Junior Worlds
Bulgarian gymnasts captured six medals — four gold and two bronze — at the 3rd Rhythmic Gymnastics Junior World Championships, held in Sofia.
Bulgaria Urged to Secure Borders
Bulgaria should focus on strengthening its border security, said Vice President Iliana Iotova during a visit to Chirpan, amid reports that the UN is preparing for a potential refugee influx from Iran.
Francofolies Festival Kicks Off in Plovdiv
The Francofolies de Bulgarie 2025 International Festival opened on Friday at the Canoe and Rowing Centre in Plovdiv, the Bulgarian Tourism Ministry announced. Running from June 20–22, the event is part of a broader international Francofolies network held in seven countries, blending culture, education, and tourism.
Valentina Georgieva Wins Vault Gold in Tashkent
European silver medallist Valentina Georgieva of Bulgaria claimed gold on vault at the 2025 FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Challenge Cup in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Ancient Thracian Artifact Returned to Bulgaria
An ancient marble votive plaque depicting a Thracian horseman was officially returned to Bulgaria during a ceremony held Wednesday at the Bulgarian Embassy in Madrid, the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry announced Friday.
Sofia to Host 2026 Football Leagues Summit
The European Leagues will hold its 2026 General Assembly in Sofia, Bulgaria, with representatives from 40 professional football leagues across 34 countries expected to attend.
Bulgaria Moves Diplomats from Iran
Bulgaria's Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev announced on Thursday that the security situation in Iran is rapidly deteriorating, prompting the relocation of 17 diplomatic staff and their families to a safer location.
More Foreign Students Choose Bulgarian Universities
The number of foreign students enrolling in Bulgarian universities continues to rise, according to new data from the Ministry of Education and Science.
Sofia Puppeteers Tour Japan
The Sofia Puppet Theatre is touring Japan in collaboration with the local PUK Puppet Theatre and with support from the Bulgarian Embassy in Tokyo.
Troyan Run Fest Combines Sport, Art, and Heritage
The three-day Troyan Run Fest will take place from June 20 to 22 in the mountain town of Troyan, Bulgaria.
Sofia University Ranked in Top 740 Globally
Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski has been ranked 731–740 in the QS World University Rankings 2026, the university’s press office announced Thursday.