The KNSB trade union confederation is protesting outside parliament in Sofia today, calling for higher incomes in the 2027 budget. Police are out in larger numbers at the scene. See our original report: Unions want pay rises above 5% ahead of talks with minister Donev.

A protest march is due to set off around 12:30pm along main boulevards and streets in the capital. Sofia city council warned that traffic and parking there are restricted and that Prince Alexander I Square is closed.

Early in the morning, the unions met deputy prime minister and finance minister Galab Donev to discuss next year's budget process. On Wednesday, prime minister Rumen Radev set out the main figures of the budget plan for next year. He said the plan will be presented to the European Commission and the Eurogroup.