Cabinet members decided to increase pensions by 10 per cent instead of by the initially planned 8.5 per cent.

Minimal pension will in this way reach 93.5 leva per month, Novinar daily reported.

Starting July 1, pensioners will get average monthly payment of 168 leva. The maximum payment remains unchanged, or 490 leva.

National Movement for Stability and Progress (NMSP) MP Lidia Shouleva said that the decision for the increase was taken under strong social pressure.

For six consecutive months, pensioners in Bulgaria have been protesting in demand of better living conditions and free healthcare services.

Protests will continue despite the increase, Novinar reported. Bulgaria has nearly 2.3 million pensioners.