Poverty levels in Bulgaria are rising

Last year, 3 million people or 46% of the population were unable to meet unexpected financial expenses such as urgent repairs to their home or car, sudden illness, replacing a washing machine or refrigerator.

Over 41% of people could not afford a week-long vacation away from home, over 39% - to replace old furniture, and 19% - to maintain a normal temperature in their home.

In addition, every fifth person over 16 years of age has experienced difficulties in buying clothes and shoes and did not have even a small amount of money for personal needs.

Material deprivation among children is decreasing, but at the same time remains relatively high. Every tenth child does not have new clothes, two pairs of shoes, one daily meal that includes meat, or the opportunity to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays and name days.