Balgarianovinite.com The draft state budget for 2026 lacks transparency and predictability – two key elements for the sustainable planning of large municipalities like Sofia, Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev wrote on Facebook.
According to him, while there are some positive developments for the city, several important financial parameters remain unclear. “The allocation Sofia will receive from the state for schools and other state-delegated activities is increasing by around EUR 90 million (14%). Funding for investments and construction is up by almost EUR 1.5 million (11%),” Terziev noted.
The Mayor said that the subsidy for Sofia’s public transport is not included in the draft budget. In 2025, it amounted to BGN 106 million, supplemented by an additional BGN 15 million in one-time support from the Council of Ministers. “For 2026 complete uncertainty. How will the stability of one of the country’s largest transport systems be ensured?” Terziev asked.
Funding for the metro expansion, a strategic project of national importance, also remains unclear, Terziev notes. In previous years, around BGN 40 million were allocated annually, but now there is no information about a similar amount. Additionally, the cost of metro security rises every year, and funding it continues to be a challenge, the Mayor adds.
Terziev also raises questions about the new scheme for financing of municipal projects through the Bulgarian Development Bank (BDB). “Why will funds go through the BDB? Will municipalities be required to repay the money or pay interest? If the state will pay interest to the bank anyway, why not provide the money directly to the municipalities?”
According to him, Sofia has so far received only BGN 237,000 for 2025, despite 156 approved projects and 10 signed agreements, while submitted payment requests total nearly BGN 35 million. The Mayor also highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the household waste fee. Although the bill allows it to remain unchanged in 2026, the calculation base has not been specified. “The Finance Ministry owes an answer, as this is one of the most sensitive local fees affecting every household,” Terziev stated.
“There may be enough money for Sofia, but for now it is hidden behind a curtain. I hope the mayor of the capital will not have to pledge allegiance for funds to reach the people,” Terziev added. He emphasized that the state budget should not become a tool for political pressure, but rather a tool for development. Regardless of its final form, the Sofia Municipality will continue to uphold its principles – transparency, efficiency, and financial stability, the Mayor said. Sofia Mayor Terziev: 2026 Draft Budget Lacks Transparency and Predictability 2025 THE NEWS FROM BULGARIA – NEWS AGENCY 2009-2025 2025-11-10 11:39:00 Latest news World news Country news Most important news latest news most important latest of the day Justice Petar Nizamov Feathers Petar Nizamov- Feathers Justice bg iustitia.bg iustitia iusticia usticia investigation Burgas Bulgaria news news of the last hour news of the day news of today Bulgaria news The news from Bulgaria blitz news top news most important most commented latest news Boyko Borisov news weather coronavirus news news weather facebook youtube facebook instagram news today news of the last minutes news today today news news bg news leading news hot news bg news site for news all news news bg news of the last hour latest latest news bg news of today news today news today news of the last hour latest news today news bg news news 24 hours news vesti bg novini news world bird bg bivol bg bivol trud bg novini latest news today novinite bg news hello bulgaria political party coat of arms delyan peevski scandalous Bulgarian National Television Free Europe Television scandal exclusive live tv live right now tv tv online tv program bg live now tv news online tv online live court Burgas court Burgas district court Burgas court Burgas district court Burgas district court Burgas appellate court Burgas prosecutor Burgas prosecutor’s office Burgas district prosecutor’s office Burgas district prosecutor’s office Burgas district prosecutor’s office Burgas district prosecutor’s office Burgas district prosecutor’s office Burgas district prosecutor’s office Prosecutor General Ivan Geshev Prosecutor Geshev Tsatsarov Ministry of Internal Affairs Burgas ODMR Burgas ODPR Burgas police Burgas district police Burgas prosecutor Tsatsarov SGS cases Varna court chairman of the SGS court decisions on civil cases decisions on cases Plovdiv court decision of the court decisions cases Varna court criminal cases district district court decisions work in the court SGS chairman of the SGS judges Sofia court post judges Plovdiv court Plovdiv judges Plovdiv Supreme Court Inspectorate Supreme Court Supreme Judicial Council lawyer lawyer criminal cases lawyer civil cases lawyer marriage cases lawyer administrative criminal law criminal process civil law civil process administrative law constitutional law