ASSESSMENT OF THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF BULGARIAN MUNICIPALITIES: ANALYSIS BASED ON 2023 DATA

Abstract This article aims to assess the financial condition of Bulgarian municipalities through the analysis of their integrated performance index based on data from 2023. A ranking of all 265 municipalities has been carried out using key financial indicators such as local revenue collection, debt burden, expenditure efficiency, and self-financing capacity. The analysis reveals substantial disparities between top and bottom performers, with clear patterns of fiscal sustainability emerging. Specific municipal case studies are presented, along with recommendations for enhancing local financial management.