Bulgaria Moves Forward Despite Budget Delay; Parliament Chairwoman Natalie Kyseleva Offers Clarity
PLOVDIV, Bulgaria — Natalie Kyseleva, the Chairwoman of Bulgaria’s National Assembly, reassured the public that the failure to pass the 2024 budget thus far is not an issue, as the state can continue operating under the rules set by the Law on Public Finances for the first three months of the year. She shared these sentiments during a meeting with representatives of the Bulgarian Socialist Party in Plovdiv.
Kyseleva emphasized that since the Law on Public Finances provides guidelines for such a scenario, "there is no drama" around the delayed budget passage. She anticipates that the budget committee will address the government’s proposal to extend the 2024 budget’s validity, along with related taxation laws and overall budgets for the state, social security, and the health fund in an upcoming meeting.
Addressing concerns about the budget’s impact on the cost of essential goods like gas and bread, given the current price inflation, Kyseleva highlighted that the outcome depends on the government’s proposal. Specifically, it revolves around whether the reduced Value Added Tax (VAT) rate for bread will remain or return to the regular tax range.
Kyseleva expressed her condolences to the families of those affected by the tragic events in Magdeburg, as reported earlier. She also discussed the ongoing negotiations for forming a ruling majority in Parliament, stating that although the National Assembly’s Chair does not actively participate in government formation procedures, she hopes the largest parliamentary group will successfully lead the talks to prevent further parliamentary elections.
With the budget proposal submitted by the Council of Ministers set to be examined by the budget committee on the 7th of January, Kyseleva remains optimistic that the process could be completed and published in the State Gazette within the same month. The Bulgarian public eagerly awaits the outcome of these budget discussions and political negotiations that will shape the country’s direction in the coming year.
