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Trust in institutions in Bulgaria remains low, especially in the central government. Eurobarometer data shows that trust in the government is around 27%, and in the parliament – ​​around 21%. At the same time, local government enjoys higher support – around 35–36% trust.

Varna is developing steadily economically, with income and economic activity remaining above the national average, and poverty is relatively low. The district stands out with the highest employment rate in the country, a high level of investment and well-developed infrastructure, as well as stable financial independence. In addition, Varna maintains a relatively favorable demographic picture and strong positions in education, with good student performance and a large number of students. Among the weaker sides of the district, the lower share of health insurance, the slow administration of justice and the more mixed results in the cultural sphere stand out. Tourism remains among the most highly developed sectors.

Today, all major taxes go to the state budget. The tax on the income that everyone earns makes its way to the capital, where the money is left to the will and discretion of politicians in the government, according to their priorities or party needs. It depends on the will of the prime minister and the finance minister how much of these funds go back to the street, the water supply, the kindergarten or the park of the city, in which the taxpayer creates value through labor and entrepreneurship, lives and raises his children.

The share of admissions to secondary education for specialized training has been decreasing in recent years and for 2026/2027 it will reach exactly 40%. The highest admissions to specialized classes are in the capital and Kardzhali region, and the lowest – in Vratsa and Montana1. On the one hand, this exacerbates the problem of mismatch between vocational education and the labor market, and on the other hand – makes the distribution of profiles in specialized education even more important.

In 2025, 159 Bulgarian municipalities (60% of all) implemented exactly 400 projects included in the Investment Program for Municipal Projects. The total amount paid out for them is 220 million euros. What are municipal projects?

Veliko Tarnovo has a positive development trajectory compared to many regions in Northern Bulgaria, although in some indicators it still lags behind the average levels for the country. Incomes are growing, poverty is decreasing, and the labor market remains relatively stable. Against the background of unfavorable demographic trends and aging, Veliko Tarnovo maintains strong positions in education with a high concentration of students and good coverage of children in the education system. The district is also distinguished by good administrative transparency, relatively effective administration of justice and active cultural life, and investor interest continues to grow.

Is it possible for all municipal projects in the state budget – worth a total of over 4 billion euros – to start this year? And for this to happen without weighing on the currently available budget resources? It sounds like some kind of focus, but it is actually completely achievable. There is a financial model that can unlock the launch of all projects at the local level, no matter which mayor is close to which party or what the limit of funds in the state budget for the year is.