Lack of funding for key municipal projects
Infrastructure projects totaling nearly 80 million euros in the Vratsa region will not be funded. The reason is the National Assembly's decision not to accept the proposals for the restoration of the Municipal Investment Program during the consideration of the State Budget Act for 2026.
The most significant loss is for the Municipality of Vratsa, where the allocated 76.3 million euros remain without resources. Among the planned investments are the construction of a Center for Energy Development and New Technologies, a new street connection between "Aleko Konstantinov" and "Tsar Asen" streets, as well as the renovation of "Kokiche" street in the village of Beli Izvor.
Affected municipalities and locations
The financial deficit also affects other municipalities in the region:
- Byala Slatina: will not receive 1 million euros for the repair of road sections in Byala Slatina, the village of Bardarski Geran, the Turnava – Galiche road, and roads in the village of Sokolare.
- Borovan: remains without 865 thousand euros for the renewal of the street network.
- Mizia: will not receive 535 thousand euros for the reconstruction of the squares in the villages of Krushovitsa and Lipnitsa.
Reactions from local politicians
Krasen Krastev, a representative of GERB-SDS, expressed disappointment with the decision, stating that the budget "took away the created opportunities for development." According to him, the Vratsa region deserves predictability and support, rather than a budget that leaves municipalities without a basic tool for development. Krastev added that he had expected support for the proposals from his colleagues elected in the region.
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The Mayor of Vratsa, Kalin Kamenov, commented on the situation as "sad" and emphasized the need for unity around a strategic goal for high-tech education. He warned that without such a priority, Bulgaria risks being left with a "predominantly lego economy," which fails to materialize among developed countries.