Political Instability Halts Promised Pay Raises
Bulgaria's healthcare sector is facing a deepening crisis as medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, midwives, laboratory technicians, and rehabilitation specialists, continue to work without promised wage increases. This stagnation is a direct consequence of the country's ongoing government stalemate and profound political instability, which has seen Bulgaria endure seven parliamentary elections over four years since April 2021.
The government led by Rosen Zhelyazkov resigned in December 2025, following widespread street protests against corruption and concerns over state spending. This resignation effectively froze financial plans, including a crucial state transfer of €260 million intended to guarantee minimum base salaries for healthcare workers.
Unfulfilled Pledges and Workforce Exodus
Prior to the government's collapse, promises were made for healthcare workers to receive a minimum starting salary of €1,550 for nurses and €1,860 for doctors without specialization, effective from 2026. However, these funds were subsequently removed from the draft state budget, which was ultimately never adopted. The Bulgarian Association of Healthcare Professionals has consistently insisted on a 150% wage increase to address the disparity.
The current average salary for a young doctor in a public hospital is approximately 2,000 leva (around €1,021), while nurses earn about 1,500 leva (around €766). In contrast, the average salary in the capital, Sofia, is around €1,700. This significant pay gap forces many medical professionals to work multiple jobs to make ends meet.
The low remuneration is a primary driver for the severe workforce crisis, leading to a continuous outflow of medical talent to wealthier Western European countries. This emigration exacerbates shortages, particularly for specialized doctors and nurses, and leaves many smaller towns with inadequate medical coverage.
Protests and Future Outlook
Medical professionals have repeatedly staged protests across the country to voice their discontent. Demonstrations occurred on December 10, 2025, with nurses, midwives, laboratory technicians, and rehabilitation specialists protesting outside medical facilities. Earlier, on November 26, 2025, doctors and state administration employees also protested in front of the National Assembly. The Union of Bulgarian Medical Specialists has called for salaries to be increased to 150% of the average national wage and for the base salary of young and specialist doctors to be tied to 3.5 times the minimum wage.
The Bulgarian Association of Healthcare Professionals remains on 'protest alert,' vowing to resume demonstrations if a stable government is formed and their demands for fair wages are not met. With the two largest political groups, GERB-UDF and We Continue the Change–Democratic Bulgaria (WCC-DB), having refused to form a new government within the current parliament, the country is likely heading towards further snap elections. A caretaker government is anticipated to be appointed towards the end of January, tasked with navigating the immediate challenges, including the pressing demands of the healthcare sector.
5 Comments
Bermudez
The low salaries are clearly driving talent away, which is unsustainable for Bulgaria's healthcare system. However, with the government continually collapsing, it's hard to see who can even negotiate or guarantee these substantial pay raises effectively right now.
Muchacho
The government's broken promises are an insult. Support our healthcare heroes!
Loubianka
Their demands are completely justified. €1000 for a doctor is a joke.
Bella Ciao
Where is this money supposed to come from? The country is in chaos.
Kyle Broflovski
It's appalling that promised funds were removed, leaving medics in the lurch, but the article highlights that the lack of a state budget is a symptom of deeper political paralysis. Both the medics' pay and the nation's governance need urgent attention.