The number of retired people in Bulgaria is expected to grow by some 8,000 people next year, said CEO of the National Statistical Institute Biser Petkov. There are 2,178,000 pensioners now and in 2016 those will be 2,186,000. The legislative changes that enter into force as of next year are the main reason, along with the slowing of the age increasing requirement on what’s active right now and also the possibility provided for people to retire early with one year missing in length of service.