Natalia Kiselova: No Drama If Budget 2025 Isn’t Approved (Video)
Chairwoman of theNational Assembly, Natalia Kiselova, has stated that there’s no cause for concern if the 2025 budget isn’t approved, as the state can function for the first three months based on rules outlined in the Law on Public Finances. Speaking to journalists in Plovdiv, Kiselova indicated that a budget committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday to discuss the law project extending the 2024 budget’s validity, along with draft state, social security, and health insurance budgets.
The chairwoman explained that the project submitted by the government on 31 December is relatively short, making it possible for it to pass through the National Assembly and be published in the State Gazette within January. Despite the potential delay in approving the 2025 budget, Kiselova assured that there won’t be any issues in the first three months of the year, as the state can operate according to the Law on Public Finances.
Addressing queries about the budget’s outlook in light of rising fuel and food prices, Kiselova emphasized that it depends on the government’s proposal regarding Value Added Tax (VAT) on bread. She noted that VAT on bread could either remain at its current reduced rate or revert to the general VAT rate.
Kiselova also addressed negotiations for forming a governing majority, stating that the chairperson of the National Assembly has no involvement in the process. She expressed hope that the largest parliamentary group would leads the negotiations to prevent another election procedure.
