The Government has already found a solution to the third-party liability insurance crisis affecting transport operators through a mechanism for a temporary state guarantee. This measure will help normalise the market, restore the competitiveness of Bulgarian transport operators, and limit additional price pressures on end consumers. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry Alexander Poulev during an interview on the Bulgarian National Television programme Panorama.
According to him, the state is also taking action against unfair commercial practices and speculative pressure on food and fuel prices. Legislative amendments have been prepared providing for the regulation of 33 unfair commercial practices, enabling institutions and regulatory authorities to seek accountability from unfair market participants.
The Deputy Prime Minister announced that a number of further decisive measures will be undertaken by the state in relation to the structural deficits inherited from previous years. He noted that, on his first day in office, he signed an order suspending all payments by structures and agencies under the Ministry in order to halt questionable practices and disbursements.
“There were time bombs embedded in every structure – deferred payments under public procurement contracts, advance payments, indexation of advance payments, and various schemes that had to be stopped,” the Minister of Economy stated. According to him, one such practice involved approximately EUR 68 million through one of the companies under the Ministry’s portfolio – Montazhi EAD, earmarked for indexation payments relating to services that had not been delivered in connection with dam-related projects.
Deputy Prime Minister Poulev emphasised that these actions had prevented the expenditure of funds that can now be redirected towards supporting citizens.
He further announced that a number of significant actions will be undertaken in the coming days, with a preliminary analysis of the Ministry’s structures already completed. Deputy Prime Minister Poulev added that he will publicly present information concerning corrupt practices that had allegedly taken place within structures of the Ministry of Economy, Investments and Industry over recent years.
“The situation is scandalous, and we have the necessary determination, expertise and political will to pursue accountability for all of these abuses,” he stated. Deputy Prime Minister Poulev was categorical that the Government would also implement unpopular measures aimed at stabilising public finances and restoring trust in institutions. He identified the low purchasing power of citizens and the continuing price imbalances in essential goods and fuels as among the most pressing challenges.
Commenting on the recent floods, Poulev stated: “The state is its people. In this difficult moment, we are mobilising all available resources to support those affected.” He added that a crisis headquarters has been established under the leadership of the Prime Minister and with the participation of ministers, while institutions are working in a coordinated manner to address the situation.
The Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted the positive outcomes following the visit to Brussels by the delegation led by Prime Minister Rumen Radev, including the release of EUR 375 million under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, progress on judicial reforms, and strengthened confidence from European partners.
“Bulgaria’s national interest is not at odds with European priorities. We have a strong political commitment to reforms and to transforming the economy into a high-value-added model driven by advanced technologies,” he stated in response to a question regarding the meetings held in recent days with German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and President of the European Council António Costa.