Headline: Bulgarian Financial Expert Rejects Police, Military Salary Hike Proposal; Warns of Future Budget Strains
In a surprising stance, Любомир Дацов, a renowned Bulgarian financial expert and member of the Fiscal Council, has opposed the proposed increase in salaries for police officers and military personnel in Bulgaria. According to him, their wages are not as low as they are often portrayed to be.
"In fact, the average salary in these sectors is quite high. If we compare salaries in these two sectors with other countries, we would find that Bulgaria is number one in all of Europe in terms of spending," Дацов explained during an interview on NOVA NEWS.
Dachev highlighted that the question of whether salaries are sufficient is always a contentious one, as people always crave more. He believed that the more pressing issue is how these funds are allocated in the Ministry of Interior (MVM) and in the defense sector. He emphasized that it’s pointless to have police and military personnel who are not adequately trained and equipped to perform their duties.
Regarding Bulgaria’s extended budget law, Дацов clarified that it enables expenditures based on the 2024 budget until the 2025 state budget is adopted, ensuring that minimum wages and pensions are maintained.
Dachev underscored that Bulgaria has yet to meet the criteria for price stability to enter the Eurozone, stressing that maintaining economic stability should be a priority. He also pointed out that the country still struggles with budget deficits.
If the budget is adopted in its current form, the financial expert warned that problems in 2026 would be significantly worse. "If we don’t have a regular government now that can implement half of these measures, in the next three to four years, we’ll have to cut a lot. I hope we’ll have a regular government, but one that makes responsible decisions," Дацов concluded.
When asked how to achieve price stability, Дацов responded that it could be achieved through structural reforms that make the Bulgarian economy more competitive and productive.
In conclusion, Дацов advised that if deputies approve the 2025 Budget in its current form, problems in 2026 could double. He urged for responsible decision-making and adequate budget management to avoid severe fiscal strain in the future.
