11.11.2011

In view of what is happening in Europe and worldwide, it may turn out that the 2012 budget will be an optimistic one. Should bad trends in European economy continue, however, it is possible to consider an even more conservative budget, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Simeon Djankov said in the morning programme of Nova TV. He was pretty confident that the minimum wage would be raised up to BGN 290, with the Government securing BGN 24 million therefor.

The Finance Minister also pointed out that the pension increase plan would become clear quite soon but it would be accompanied by a serious pension system reform. Minister Djankov was firm that the money for education, health care, culture and social services would be preserved.

For the first time in 15 years the funds allocated to the ministries of interior and defense in the 2012 draft budget are reduced by a total of BGN 60 million, the Deputy Prime Minister said.

Because security is not only about who keeps the arms and who is on the streets; security means more money for the teachers guaranteeing better education and more funds for healthcare, Djankov explained his point. I stake my carrier with this budget, said the Finance Minister and added: \"If the Government gives in to the later retirement of employees of the \"power\" institutions as well as to the benefits received upon retirement, it will act as a \"left-wing\" government\".