Pension

Bulgarian deputies finally accepted the extension of the three main budgets - of the state, of social security and of the Health Fund.

Agencies at the Single Social Security Entity (EFKA) are running two parallel projects, in addition to the issuance of the pending pensions: main, auxiliary and retirement lump sums.

The payment of retirement lump sums to some 7,500 teachers who received their main pension in the previous period started on Friday and is expected to be completed by the end of the month.

The Single Social Security Entity is entering a new digitization phase, as seven reforms are already under way which, when completed, are expected to turn EFKA into a truly modern organization.

The additional amount to pensions of BGN 70 (EUR 35), with which to provide Easter supplements for Bulgarian pensioners, will begin today.

Pensioners who receive their pensions through post offices will be able to receive the additional amount from them as well. The rest will receive a transfer within the month.

A draft law on managing assets confiscated over criminal activity was the last Finance Ministry bill to be voted in the plenary before elections.

The bill was approved in principle by ruling New Democracy votes alone.

An Easter supplement of BGN 70 (EUR 35) will be given to elderly people whose pensions for this month are below the officially established poverty line - BGN 504 (EUR 258), announced Prime Minister Galab Donev. Thus, an additional amount will be available only for half of the pensioners. They will receive the supplement next week as a separate payment from their monthly pensions.

Measures to support and assist the relatives of the 57 people who lost their lives in the Tempe train collision of February 28, as well as passengers who were injured in the crash, are provided for in a bill submitted to Parliament on Friday by the Development and Investment Ministry.

This was reported to France Press today by the participants of the meeting of the ruling coalition in the Elyse Palace.
"There is no dissolution, no reconstruction, no referendum," said one unnamed participant of the meeting attended by government and parliament officials.

French President Emmanuel Macron ordered his prime minister to wield a special constitutional power Thursday that skirts parliament to force through a highly unpopular bill raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 without a vote.