News

Bulgarian restaurateurs are protesting today by blocking major roads and intersections, expressing their strong opposition to the government's decision to increase the Value Added Tax (VAT) for the industry to 20% in the 2025 budget. They argue that this move will lead to widespread bankruptcies, fuel the growth of the informal economy, and ultimately harm the state budget itself.

The condition of the 14 victims of the Kočani disco fire who are receiving treatment in Bulgaria remains serious, with eight on mechanical ventilation and three in critical condition. The tragedy has sparked anger and calls for accountability, with journalist Atanas Velichkov stating that "the people's anger will be unleashed if no one is held responsible.

Six residents of Kocani, North Macedonia, traveled to Pirogov Hospital in Sofia to donate their rare blood type A, negative Rh factor, urgently needed for a patient in critical condition. Their selfless act inspired many others to donate blood, demonstrating an outpouring of support for the victims of the Kocani tragedy.

Bulgaria is experiencing a record high in the import of manpower from non-EU countries, with over 4,200 third-country nationals registered for seasonal employment alone since the beginning of the year. This surge in foreign workers is driven by the needs of the business sector, which are not being met by the domestic workforce.

Bulgaria's Minister of Labor and Social Policy, Borislav Gutsanov, highlighted the need for increased job opportunities and higher pensions for people with disabilities, who currently number around 700,000 in the country. He also acknowledged the crucial role played by the church in supporting vulnerable populations, citing the "St. John of Rila" Center as an example.