“It depends on the [state] budget whether there will be Christmas pension bonuses,” said Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister for Demographic and Social Policies and Minister of Labour and Social Policy Ivaylo Kalfin, speaking for bTV on Wednesday.

“There is understanding in the government Christmas and Easter pension bonuses are needed. This is one of the measures we are implement for people with very low pensions. I hope the [state] budget will allow us to do it this December,” the senior government member stated, pointing out they had the readiness.

Mr Kalfin recalled under current legislation men retire at the age of 63 years and 8 months, while women – at the age of 60 years and 8 months in the general labour category.

“There will be a gradual increase in this age over the next 20 years until it becomes 65. It is very unlikely to be felt,” Ivaylo Kalfin assured.