Two billion euros in additional state guarantees and a concession of the Bulgarian Sports Totalizator are part of changes to the draft budget for 2026, submitted between the first and second readings. The change that increases the potential state guarantees from 1.75 billion to 3.75 billion euros was submitted by representatives of GERB-SDF, BSP, "There is Such People" and "DPS - New Beginning", reporter Marta Mladenova informed.

The texts make it clear that the guarantees can be issued for the Bulgarian Development Bank "in the event of a need in connection with the acquisition of shares or stakes in the capital in cases under Art. 27c., par. 5 of the Law on the Administrative Regulation of Economic Activities Related to Oil and Oil Products". Without explicitly stating it, this is probably related to a potential acquisition of Lukoil assets after the four companies of the group in Bulgaria fell under US sanctions. The country received a temporary derogation and a special administrator has already been appointed - former head of the National Revenue Agency, Rumen Spetsov.

Another amendment to the Gambling Act, allows the state-owned lottery to be given on concession. None of the measures against which there is sharp criticism from the business community, such as the double increase in dividend tax, the increase in the social security burden, have been dropped, according to the changes introduced by MPs from the ruling coalition.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova

Publication in English: Al. Markov

Photo: BGNES