The minimum wage in Bulgaria rose by 9% at the beginning of 2017, from the equivalent of €210 to €230.
Trade unions campaigned for the increase by highlighting living costs – for instance what a family would need to spend at Christmas – to show that the previous minimum was inadequate. Despite initial opposition from employers, Bulgarian public and media were convinced.
Trade unions have this year launched their own national wage rise campaign entitled: “I want an extra 100 leva” (approx. €50). Economists predict that higher internal demand and individual consumption could grow the economy by 3.6%, increasing the average monthly wage to €530 euro in 2017 and €575 in 2018.