Bread will not be taxed with VAT,  the parliamentary budget committee, which is debating the second reading of the state budget update, has decided.

The committee, however, rejected the proposal of GERB and Vazrazhdane parties to reduce the tax on oil, fruit, vegetables and other agricultural products from 20 to 9%. Outgoing Finance Minister Assen Vassilev commented that the lower rate would lead to serious losses for the treasury, while the effect would be doubtful. 

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The draft budget update also envisages an increase in the state debt limit to BGN 5.2 billion. The financial framework is calculated at an inflation rate of 11.9% and economic growth of 2.9%.