Bulgaria has been protesting for several days. The rally, attended by many thousands of people, was preceded by protests by health care workers and some state institutions. The dissatisfaction of non-governmental organizations and many citizens was aroused by, among others, protest by officials of the National Statistical Institute, demanding a 20% increase, although data from this institution indicate that deflation was recorded for three months of this year.
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What are the reasons for the protests in Bulgaria?
What led to the increase in social security contributions?
What social groups participate in the protests?
What are the protesters demanding in front of the parliament?
The greatest dissatisfaction in the draft budget for next year is, among others, the following: A 2% increase in National Insurance contributions – while public servants and several corporate taxes are exempt from it. Large New Year's bonuses are planned for officials and the justice and security apparatus. Only pensioners with the lowest benefits, who constitute less than a third of the over 2.2 million pensioners, will receive the New Year's increase of EUR 60.
Bulgaria. People took to the streets
There are concerns about the proposal to license the state-owned sports totalizator, which is currently making profits, and the fate of the Neftochim-Lukoil mining plant. According to the opposition, several oligarchs are trying to acquire it.
The reading of the bill took place in a very tense atmosphere, with MPs snatching each other's microphones in the room where the vote on the budget bill of the Institute of Social Insurance was taking place. The police were eventually called and remained in the room during the discussion and vote.
At the same time, several tens of thousands of people gathered in front of the parliament, demanding the government's resignation, dissolving the parliament and abandoning the project. Large police forces were called to the scene. The Ministry of the Interior has suspended police officers' leaves to ensure stronger security of the building where the MPs are currently blocked.
