2024-10-07 22:09:22
One million Bulgarians left Bulgaria between 2009 and 2020 in search of a better life. People hoped that after joining the European Union in 2007, we would move closer to the European way of life. But we did not expect that this would happen with a mass exodus of young people.
For more than a decade, incomes did not grow, they were even kept artificially low. And when there was money left in the state budget at the end of the year, it was poured into highways and infrastructure, from which it is easy to steal – with pre-prepared schemes.
This is the reason “Continuing the Change – Democratic Bulgaria” believes that in order for young families to choose to live in Bulgaria, they must
to invest in people,
and not in corrupt highway projects. “We need to continue to look after incomes, health and education, with support for business as well.”
The PP-DB’s income policy over the last three years reversed the negative trends and proved that for a strong economy, no
we need cheap labor
and added value and investment in modern machines and processes. Thus, both labor productivity and workers’ wages will continue to rise.
In 2023, 46 thousand more people returned to Bulgaria than left it, and the number of newborns increased by 600 compared to the previous year. Another positive signal is the drop in mortality by 15%. This data means
a twist in three of the most alarming statistics,
which until now created a feeling of hopelessness for Bulgaria.
The rapid growth of the average and the minimum wage is felt. At the end of 2023, the average salary reached BGN 2,100, and currently it is already around BGN 2,300. By the end of the year, it is expected that we will reach BGN 2,400-2,500 average salary.
Does this make Bulgaria truly competitive on the labor market? A comparison between the minimum and average wages (in euros) in Bulgaria and all neighboring countries in the Balkans shows that even after the increases, the Bulgarian average wage is the lowest in the entire region. It is close to the salaries of Montenegro and Macedonia, although their GDP is much lower than ours. This means that the income growth policy must continue.
The PP-DB plan foresees within 4 years
the average salary to reach BGN 4,000.
The minimum at the beginning of 2025 will be BGN 1,077 – twice as much as in 2019, when – at the time of GERB, it was BGN 560. If the pace continues with the PP-DB policy, within 4 years the minimum wage will double once again – to about BGN 2000
More than doubling pensions in four years
For the last 4 years, the incomes of our parents, grandparents have also seen growth. Pensions rose by 115% – or more than double. From BGN 250 in 2020, the minimum pension is now BGN 580 today.
The growth of pensions and free medicines, which were provided with Asen Vasilev’s budgets, also provided financial relief to young families who, until 3 years ago, had to, in addition to taking care of their children, also help their elderly parents.
PP-DB will continue this income policy with the following measures:
- Maintaining the salary growth of the last 3 years. By 2027 – doubling of the average salary – 2000 euros and the minimum – 1000 euros;
- Doubling of tax benefits for young families – from BGN 600 to BGN 1,200 per child;
- Help for young families when buying their first home;
- 100% of the maternity allowance when returning to work after the first year;
- Continuation of the policy of increasing pensions with the growth of the average salary.
- Salaries of nurses and midwives – 80% of the average salary, and of doctors – 125% of the average salary.
How will PP-DB take care of business?
- No change in tax rates;
- Reducing the administrative burden;
- Maximum allowed programs for investments in machines and buildings during expansion or construction of new production – up to 50% of the investment;
- Maintaining the electricity price ceiling;
- Continuation of the municipal investment program.
The program of the PP-DB includes further measures to reduce additional payments in health care, the “Stambolov” fund with scholarships for students who, after graduation, work for 5 years in Bulgaria, the continuation of the policy that teachers’ salaries are 125% of the average salary and other measures with care for people.
According to the coalition’s calculations,
Bulgaria can afford such a policy,
when the corruption at the highest levels is stopped, so that the money reaches the people.
“Continuing the Change – Democratic Bulgaria” appears in the elections with number 26 on the ballot.
