The MPs approved, at first reading, the update of state social security which will allow pensions to be raised by 12.5% as of 1 October; 2021, for the smallest pensions there will be a special supplement which will push them up to the poverty line. 148 MPs voted in support of the update, 1 voted “against” and 48 abstained, BNR’s Marta Mladenova reports.

During the discussions Mika Zaykova, MP from ITN proposed that the minimum monthly pension reach 370 Leva (189 euro) instead of the 340 Leva /174 euro/ envisaged. She criticized the idea for pensioners with a minimum pension to receive a social supplement so they can reach the poverty line.

At the moment pensioners with a minimum pension receive 350 Leva /179 euro/ a month, 50 Leva /26 euro/ of which in the form of a supplement.