Bulgaria Outgoing Labor Minister Forecasts 8% Unemployment

The annual unemployment rate in Bulgaria will pass the 8% mark, outgoing Labor Minister, Emilya Maslarova, said Wednesday.

Maslarova held a briefing to give account of the Ministry's work.

The unemployment rate in June has been around 7,29%, according to the Labor Ministry data.

Maslarova said that by June 30, 45% of the Ministry's planned budget has been spent, adding in 2005 the Ministry had 10 142 employees, now down to 8 282 which is a reduction of over 18%.

The Ministry has 387 job openings, but hiring has been frozen over the need of cutbacks.