The International Monetary Fund has recommended increasing social security and property taxes from 2026. This was made clear during the hearing of representatives of the Fund's regular mission in the Budget Committee of the National Assembly. It also recommends introducing multi-funds and eliminating the maximum social security threshold.
The Bulgarian economy is working beyond its potential, said the head of the mission, Fabian Bornhorst.
He recommended that by 2026 there should be a reduction in spending by 1% of GDP and an increase in social security by the same percentage. Bornhorst also noted that social benefits should be targeted.
According to the IMF, budget spending should be redirected from raising salaries in the public sector to investments.
"Controlling public sector wage growth and decoupling some social benefits from the minimum wage and its growth will also help to save money," Bornhorst said.
Other recommendations include higher excise tax collection and an increase in property taxes.
Edited by Miglena Ivanova
English: R. Petkova