11.10.2011

There will be no end-of-year bonuses for public sector employees, known as "13^th salary", and possibilities to raise the lowest pensions will be sought only after it becomes clear whether the economic slowdown in European economies will be felt in Bulgaria, too. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Simeon Djankov said the above in an interview for the television broadcast "Tazi Sutrin" on bTV. "I do not think it is right, even if there is money, a "13^th salary" to be available for public sector employees as their contracts are for 12 salaries and that is the number of salaries they should receive," commented the Deputy Prime Minister. He was adamant, however, that due to the pursued conservative fiscal policy the wages and pensions would not be reduced, as has already happened in some European countries.

The framework of the 2012 draft budget law will be ready by the end of this week, and the consultations with the other Ministries will begin from 17 October on. By end-October the 2012 draft budget will be discussed with the social partners within the National Council for Tripartite Cooperation and reviewed by the government. The statutory deadline will be met and by the beginning of November the draft will be submitted to the National Assembly, pointed out the Finance Minister. He projected a slowdown of economic growth at the end of this year and early next year due to the slowing down of European economies. Simeon Djankov added that the budget framework for the coming year will be similar to the current year's one, providing for an increase in the spending limits for certain sectors such as education and science, culture and sports.