The Sofia Municipality has announced for public discussion the draft budget for 2025, which amounts to over 2.8 billion leva. Citizens can view the full document on the official website of the municipality and express their opinion.
The children of Sofia are among the key highlights:
Education: Construction of 26 kindergartens and 11 schools, as well as renovations in 17 kindergartens and 18 schools worth 121.1 million leva.
Sports and infrastructure: Doubling of funds for sports infrastructure and 1 million leva. to improve lighting around schoolyards.
Young Talents: Fund for Supporting Young Talents with a budget of 1.5 million leva.
The city's connectivity also takes a leading place:
Metro expansion - the largest investment project for 2025, with a budget of 183.4 million leva.
Infrastructural repairs: Key boulevards such as „Stamboliyski“, „Rozhen“ and „Maria Luiza“ will be renovated, and work on „Opalchenska“ and „Zhivko Stalev“ streets will be completed.
City care includes:
Repairs and maintenance: More funds for ongoing repairs of streets (65 million leva) and sidewalks (48.16 million leva).
Cleanliness: A record budget of over 300 million leva for the maintenance of green areas.
Lighting: 33 million leva for ongoing maintenance and another 2 million leva for major repairs of street lighting.
Financing and the future
Mayor Vasil Terziev emphasized that the budget is realistic, but Sofia's ambitions require more funds. Deputy Mayor for Finance Ivan Vassilev emphasized the need for a sustainable financing model that would meet the city's role as the country's economic engine.
“Sofia generates over 40% of Bulgaria's GDP, but receives less than necessary. It is time for an open dialogue on long-term solutions“, commented Vassilev.
A broad public discussion will be held on April 16 at 7:00 p.m. at Sofia University. Every resident of Sofia is invited to express their opinion and suggestions. Comments and questions can be sent in advance to the e-mail [email protected].