site.btaContinue the Change to Hold Public Talks with Vazrazhdane, MRF and Bulgarian Rise on 2023 Budget 

Continue the Change (CC) will hold public talks with Vazrazhdane, the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) and Bulgarian Rise in connection with next year's budget, CC said here on Monday. 

The party explained that they will meet with Vazrazhdane's representatives in Parliament on Tuesday afternoon. On Wednesday, CC will meet with the MRF, followed by Bulgarian Rise shortly after, again in Parliament. 

CC conferred last week with the parliamentary groups of GERB-UDF, BSP for Bulgaria and Democratic Bulgaria to discuss the budget. CC insisted that the caretaker Government tables a 2023 state budget bill in Parliament.

CC's idea to have a draft state budget for next year tabled was supported by the Socialists, while GERB-UDF and Democratic Bulgaria insisted that the 3% budget deficit be maintained. According to CC, extending this year's budget into next year would be inadequate given the changed economic situation and high inflation. They also announced a social package providing for increasing the minimum wage and measures in support of businesses. The trade unions also backed CC's idea to adopt a new budget for 2023 during a meeting. 

Employers, however, did not support CC's idea to adopt a new State Budget Act for 2023, insisting that it would be better for businesses to extend this year's budget. Employers also expressed concern that if the budget is updated, political parties will start bidding against each other with proposals that would be directed at voters' expectations.