Finance Ministry labeled Ministry of Lies as budget row deepens
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The Ministry of Finance began the day with its own metadata pasted to its entrance. Critics labeled it the Ministry of Lies after disputed correspondence with the European Commission became public, fueling a row over the 2027 budget. While the Democratic Bulgaria coalition demanded the resignation of Galab Donev, the government's defenders noted they saw no reason for him to leave. Finance Minister Asen Vasilev summarized the economic outlook with similar bluntness, noting that while salaries may rise by 50 euros, inflation will ensure spending rises by 80.
The judiciary provided its own dose of predictability as judges elected a new Supreme Judicial Council. The process was reportedly settled before a single vote was cast, following the circulation of a predetermined list of winners. It is an efficient, if not exactly competitive, way to staff a high court.
In the Black Sea, six ships from Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey have begun joint naval exercises. The drills coincide with reports from Moscow of a third attack on a cargo ship in the region within a single day. On land, the capital's mayor has revived a plan to extend the metro to IKEA, a rare instance of infrastructure planning that guarantees a clear destination.