site.btaGovernment Institutions Are Underfunded in Extension to 2022 Budget - Podkrepa TU

A number of systems remain underfunded with the so-called extension to the 2022 Budget Act, Podkrepa Confederation of Labour President Dimitar Manolov told reporters on Tuesday commenting on the caretaker government's decision to submit to parliament the proposal to extend the current budget into next year. The underfunded institutions include the regional health inspectorates; the Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre Agency; the National Statistical Institute; the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency; the Road Infrastructure Agency, which Manolov believes need about BGN 10 million.

"The big issue for us is that this decision blocks an increase in the minimum wage," the Podkrepa President said. He pointed out that the wage could also be raised with a decision of the Council of Ministers, however, such a decision could not be secured in the current budget.

Manolov commented that, in view of the current political instability, he understands why the caretaker cabinet is proposing to extend the current budget.

Still, he commented that he notices a political urge to destroy the state. Podkrepa and the Confederation of Independent Unions in Bulgaria are planning a protest car procession on November 11.