Bulgaria Puts Off Retirement Age Reforms

Speaking on Thursday in the Bulgarian town of Stara Zagora, Mladenov confirmed that dialogue concerning the pension issue would continue, but that discussions over increasing the age limit on retirement and pensions were to be temporarily suspended.

"The reason for the delay of the pension reform is the serious situation in the labor market in the country, and the difficulties faced by businesses," the minister explained.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Policy has proposed that the retirement age for both men and women should be increased to 65. Currently, the age is 63 for men and 60 for women.

Mladenov stated that over the next two weeks the government's priorities would be the start of health reform and stabilisation of the labor market.

According to the minister, the minimum pension and the poverty line should be aligned. He argued that funding for this should come from the state budget instead of the social security system.