Press Review
Sofia, January 29
THE HOME SCENE
"Boris Velchev Defends Changes to Code of Criminal Procedure," "Troud writes. Changes to the Code of Criminal Procedure will untie the hands of the prosecuting magistracy. Any objections are "predictable and show fear," said Prosecutor General Boris Velchev on Thursday. He added that in Bulgaria people are much more afraid of the state than of criminals. He raised the question of what the prosecuting magistracy should be in a society with "a huge deficit of justice". Changes to the Code of Criminal Procedure were adopted in principle on Wednesday, but they were criticized harshly by MPs of the remaining four groups in Parliament: the Coalition for Bulgaria, the Movement for Rights and Freedoms, the Blue Coalition and Ataka.
***
"Troud" runs an editorial on the changes to the Code of Criminal Procedure (Better to Be Unpunished At Large than Innocent in Prison). For the first time during GERB's rule a support for a bill has been withdrawn for political reasons. The Code of Criminal Procedure institutes the role of the back-up lawyer who will replace a defense lawyer during an absence, irrespective of the reason, without the consent of the defendant. The irony is that a case will not be adjourned due to the absence of the defense lawyer, but it will when the back-up lawyer is absent. The Convention on Human Rights expressly states that a defendant has the right to choose a defense lawyer. The changes will see in the return of the "eternal defendant" after the scrap of a provision that cases should go to court after two years. The amendment is ridiculous against the backdrop of nearly 71,000,000 cases that were suspended after their statute of limitations ran out last year. The scrapping of the mandatory defense before the Supreme Court of Cassation, the limited access to cassation and retrial of criminal cases, and the weight given in court to anonymous tips and evidence obtained through special surveillance means smack of repression, according to the author.
***
In an interview for "24 Chassa", Lozan Panov, President of the Sofia Administrative Court says that the crisis has increased cases against the authorities, but it has brought down the number of divorces. More civil servants tend to file lawsuits after being laid-off. The number of cases instituted by the socially disadvantaged, the elderly and the disabled for bigger pensions and benefits remains the same. The number of legal disputes over tax is also unchanged. Cases over compensation for appropriated properties have doubled, according to Panov.
***
"Troud" reports that Anton the Hamster Petrov, who was one of the suspects held during Operation "Impudent" at the end of December 2009, was released on Thursday. Petrov who is claimed to be one of the masterminds of a kidnapping ring was released on a 20,000-leva bail by the Sofia Appellate Court. Just a week after the Sofia City Prosecution Office claimed that there was enough evidence incriminating Petrov of being part of the ring, the appellate panel found evidence against him inconclusive. Commenting the court's decision, Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov said that the 20,000-leva bail shows involvement with the ring.
***
"Hamster Takes a Bite at Themis," writes "Standart News". The Bulgarian independent court has once again baffled us when it comes to its "logical" decisions in regard to notorious figures of the underworld. Suspicions that something is off at the temple of Themis are growing stronger. It is obvious that one of the links in the chain consisting of the police, the prosecuting magistracy and the judiciary has failed and ordinary people are left with the impression that high-profile arrests are just for show.
***
"Sega" writes that on the votes of GERB Parliament adopted a controversial amendment to the Radio and Television Act which allows owners of advertising companies to apply for television broadcast licenses. So far they have been banned in order not to influence the TV advertising market. The revision was immediately called "the Gergov amendment", as it favors advertising boss Krassimir Gergov and he lobbied tirelessly for it.
***
In an interview for "Standart News", Minister without portfolio Bojidar Dimitrov says that Prime Minister Borissov would be bored if he were President. Dimitrov assures that corrupt officials of the Movement for Rights and Freedom are being investigated. Former agriculture minister Valeri Tsvetanov and two MPs of the Movement will be brought to court very soon. Of the crisis which the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) is undergoing, Dimitrov says that BSP is an old party and a good brand. It has been through many crises, but it remains uncertain how many votes it will be able to garner. Dimitrov even sees it gaining as little as two or three per cent of the vote because of its coalition with the Movement for Rights and Freedoms.
***
In a commentary, "Sega" notes that pre-GERB rightist parties are trying to sit between two stools. The Union of Democratic Forces (UDF) and Democrats for Strong Bulgaria (DSB) are backing GERB in words, but they take every opportunity to distance themselves from the ruling party and to sell them selves as the competent authentic Right. It is becoming clearer that by the end if his term Prime Minister Boyko Borissov will turn into a lonely long distance runner. His only loyal partner is the nationalist Ataka party, which suffers from lack of international recognition. At a certain point this might create problems for the cabinet. The sad thing for the UDF and DSB is that they don't have public resources to defend their ideas, even when they are good.
***
"SANS Enters Guantanamo," "Troud" reports. Bulgaria will take in just one Guantanamo inmate under a proposal of a joint working group of the Interior Ministry, the State Agency for National Security (SANS) and the Foreign Ministry. The government is set to reach a decision within a month. The proposal was announced Thursday by Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov at a meeting with the parliamentary committees on defense and internal security. However, before the decision is made, SANS officials will visit Guantanamo to obtain firsthand information, Tsvetanov said.
ECONOMY
"24 Chassa" writes that tobacco growers will receive 116 million leva in March, with a second installment in store around Christmas. The subsidy per one kilo of tobacco will be as much as in 2009, under an agreement signed Thursday between the Agriculture Ministry and the National Association of Tobacco Growers. Prime Minister Boyko Borissov called a late night meeting, after tobacco growers announced that they were calling off the blockades of the Bulgarian-Greek border.
***
"24 Chassa" carries an analysis on subsidized tobacco growing. Under the existing scheme, the amount of subsidies depends on the amount of produced tobacco, which seems fair at first glance. However, only 5 to 10 per cent of the whole tobacco output goes to Bulgarian cigarette factories, and the rest is exported. The companies that buy it know very well the price of a kilo of tobacco. They also know that tobacco growers receive subsidies and they wring their hands with low purchase prices, which the tobacco growers accept, as they know that they are entitled to subsidies. A new scheme should be put in place which will ensure that money goes directly to tobacco growers and will not subsidize middlemen and tobacco companies.
***
"Troud" reports that land deals have been suspended in a third of Bulgaria. In 92 municipalities the market of agricultural land has frozen for a second time in the past three months. All transactions have been suspended including those for lease of land after contracts with geodesic companies that prepare sketch maps expired and new companies are being contracted. In December, deals were temporarily unblocked after the Agriculture Ministry extended the old contracts until Christmas.
Links to some Bulgarian info websites in English:
· http://www.bta.bg/site/en/indexe.shtml
· http://www.novinite.com/index.php
· http://www.focus-fen.net/
Most discussed topics of the day – Sofia, January 29, 2010
· From February 1, the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) is cutting off cash for 21 municipal and private hospitals as part of the Health Ministry’s controversial and long-awaited hospital care reform plan. The NHIF decision, announced on January 26, means that these hospitals will have to rely on other sources of money – but, more likely, that they will close.
· After a freezing spell in which temperatures fell to - 28oC in some parts of Bulgaria, snow has now returned bringing difficult conditions in the Bulgarian capital Sofia.
12-27 cm of snow fell overnight in Sofia and Western parts of Bulgaria. The press center of the Sofia Municipality reported early Friday that snow clearing operations continued all night and the situation is under control.
fredag den 29. januar 2010
torsdag den 28. januar 2010
Bulgarian press review, January 28, 2010
Press Review
Sofia, January 28
HOME SCENE
"Novinar" has interviewed Ilian Mihov, tipped as a future deputy prime minister, as saying that while he is a member of this government, changes in the currency board arrangement will not be on the agenda.
***
All dailies report that Boyko Borissov's proposal for cabinet changes was approved: Nickolay Mladenov and Anyu Angelov are the new ministers, respectively of foreign affairs and defence. Mladenov promised dialogue, Angelov pledged continuity, "Novinar" reports. This is the first time Borissov has said the changes were forced by the resignation of foreign minister Rumiana Jeleva, "who did not do well" as a commissioner-designate, the dailies say.
***
"Standart News" reports that deputy education minister Svetlana Lomeva was dismissed by Education Minister Sergei Ignatov, who was informed that Lomeva was not performing her duties. Allegedly, she did nothing to stop violations by the son of Sofia's ex-regional governor, Socialist Todor Modev. Ivan Modev is director of the Youth Programme at the Ministry.
***
Borissov wants his ministers to name the culprits for the problems with the EU, "Sega" says. "Dnevnik" writes that the ministers will report at every cabinet meeting how much has been paid out under the ISPA pre-accession programme and the operational programmes.
***
The daily stresses that the absorption of EU funding is one of the worst risks to the Bulgarian economy according to the convergence programme for the period until 2012. It is the document which will form a basis for discussion of Bulgaria's bid to join ERM 2 and the euro zone. Poor absorption carries a risk of lower growth and lower budget revenues. In contrast, good absorption would cause pressure on budget expenditures due to the required national co-financing. Still, the government prioritizes the absorption of EU funds, and the other priorities are the euro zone, a stable budget and high productivity.
***
At least 20,000 tobacco growers are staging a protest on Thursday, Asen Kyuchoukov, Chairman of the National Association of Tobacco Growers, says in "Troud". The protest is concentrated in Gotse Delchev, Haskovo and Rousse. "We want the [agriculture] minister to keep his promise, and we expect to be paid immediately the same amount as last year as agreed," the leader says. "Novinar" warns that the protesters are expected to block the border with Romania at the Danube Bridge and roads at Haskovo, Svilengrad, Gotse Delchev and Purvomai.
***
"Sega" reports that the Finance Ministry was shaken by the latest scandal over gambling tax. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Simeon Djankov said surprisingly on Wednesday that he is against a tax cut, although the Ministry's website has featured a bill of amendments to this effect for two weeks. Other ministries have been consulted about the bill and it is about to be introduced in the Council of Ministers. Gambling tax was raised two months ago after a monumental scandal, "Sega"says.
***
"Douma" quotes Regional Development Minister Rosen Plevneliev as saying that the government will start awarding concessions for the entire water and sewerage sector in 2011 because there is no financing for water mains replacement from Operational Programme Environment. The term of the concession contracts may be between 20 and 35 years.
***
"Monitor" quotes Borissov as saying that 200 million euro for the construction of the Danube Bridge may be lost due to poor management and the project's delay under former prime minister Sergei Stanishev. Borissov discussed this with his Romanian counterpart Emil Boc. The deadline is 2010 and Bulgaria will fail to use the EU money, Borissov said, reacting to Stanishev's criticism of the present government.
***
The closure of small hospitals is a high social price to pay and has next to no effect, "Sega" says.
***
Bulgarian military doctors have been offered monthly salaries of 36,000 dollars in Saudi Arabia, and between 15,000 and 20,000 dollars in Finland, Norway, Qatar and Oman, "Troud" says, quoting the director of the Military Medical Academy. General Stoyan Tonev says he received these offers within a week of meeting with the ambassadors of the five countries. At the same time general practitioners have not been paid their salaries for December yet.
***
"Telegraph" reports that Mariana Todorova, the lawyer of gangland bosses, including the Marinov brothers, also known as the Marguins, nearly died in a fire after unidentified persons set alight a tire in front of her door.
THE ECONOMY
"24 Chassa" quotes central bank statistics showing that 5,282 people were issued loans exceeding 1 million leva in 2009. Of them, 113 were borrowed by individuals, who took out a total of 202 million leva, 1,780,000 leva on average. In three years these borrowers increased fourfold. However, the credit crunch became evident in the summer when no bank issued a loan of over 1 million leva to a household. Corporate loans over that amount increased slightly, by 102 in three months, to 5,169.
***
"24 Chassa" assumes that the 11-day border blockade by Greek farmers has caused losses to both Bulgaria and Greece, while Turkey has gained from it. Since the border checkpoints at Koulata, Ilinden and Kapitan Petko Voivoda have been closed, the much liked Greek imports seabass and bream have been replaced with Turkish fish. Flower import has also been affected and roses are imported from the Netherlands only. "Zemya" reports that Brussels has threatened to penalize Greece. Spokesman Jonathan Todd is quoted as saying that the Greek authorities must notify the Commission and the EU countries of a road block which obstructs free movement and must provide detours, which did not happen.
***
In "24 Chassa" economists from the Centre for Liberal Strategies, the Institute of Market Economics, Industry Watch and other think-tanks advise against a budget deficit. A deficit puts the entire economy at risk, pushes up interest rates, shrinks investments, and euro zone membership may be postponed. If the government has outstanding debts, even if they were inherited from the previous government, they must be paid at the expense of other sectors, which are most ineffective and reforms have not made progress. Confidence takes time to build and the prudence of the post-1997 period will be blown to the wind if the government takes the easy way out as Greece did, casting a doubt on the future of the euro, the economists argue. A balanced budget is the only way to ensure budget responsibility, investments and economic growth.
FOREIGN POLICY
"Troud" says that after the EU showed sympathy in recent years for the outstanding issue of the property of Bulgarian refugees from Eastern Thrace and Asia Minor, now Brussels appears likely to be able to guarantee a solution, and Bulgarian diplomats should seize the opportunity. The daily learned that the speedy preparation of the next meeting of the Bulgarian-Turkish commission on outstanding issues will be high on Boyko Borissov's agenda during his visit to Turkey later this week.
***
Quoting "El Correo Gallego", "24 Chassa" writes about an emergency re-admission to hospital of Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha's eldest son, Kardam, who had a car crash in August 2008 and was in a coma. Kardam, 47, has improved since starting growth hormone treatment. He was hospitalized for breathing difficulties and strong fever.
Links to some Bulgarian info websites in English:
http://www.bta.bg/site/en/indexe.shtml
http://www.novinite.com/index.php
http://www.focus-fen.net/
Most discussed topics of the day – Sofia, January 28, 2010
· 380 000 Bulgarians have lost their rights to free healthcare after changes in the health insurance laws. If people want to regain their rights to free healthcare they will now have to re-pay all their outstanding health insurance payments as well as any interest incurred. On Monday there will be more accurate information for those who have paid their health insurance since of amendments the law now.
· An 18-year-old boy has died in Pirogov Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment and Emergency Aid. 18-year-old A.V. has been admitted to the hospital at 22:05 last evening. The boy had been shot in the head and died 15 minutes later. The incident occurred in the region of Central Railway Station in Sofia.
Sofia, January 28
HOME SCENE
"Novinar" has interviewed Ilian Mihov, tipped as a future deputy prime minister, as saying that while he is a member of this government, changes in the currency board arrangement will not be on the agenda.
***
All dailies report that Boyko Borissov's proposal for cabinet changes was approved: Nickolay Mladenov and Anyu Angelov are the new ministers, respectively of foreign affairs and defence. Mladenov promised dialogue, Angelov pledged continuity, "Novinar" reports. This is the first time Borissov has said the changes were forced by the resignation of foreign minister Rumiana Jeleva, "who did not do well" as a commissioner-designate, the dailies say.
***
"Standart News" reports that deputy education minister Svetlana Lomeva was dismissed by Education Minister Sergei Ignatov, who was informed that Lomeva was not performing her duties. Allegedly, she did nothing to stop violations by the son of Sofia's ex-regional governor, Socialist Todor Modev. Ivan Modev is director of the Youth Programme at the Ministry.
***
Borissov wants his ministers to name the culprits for the problems with the EU, "Sega" says. "Dnevnik" writes that the ministers will report at every cabinet meeting how much has been paid out under the ISPA pre-accession programme and the operational programmes.
***
The daily stresses that the absorption of EU funding is one of the worst risks to the Bulgarian economy according to the convergence programme for the period until 2012. It is the document which will form a basis for discussion of Bulgaria's bid to join ERM 2 and the euro zone. Poor absorption carries a risk of lower growth and lower budget revenues. In contrast, good absorption would cause pressure on budget expenditures due to the required national co-financing. Still, the government prioritizes the absorption of EU funds, and the other priorities are the euro zone, a stable budget and high productivity.
***
At least 20,000 tobacco growers are staging a protest on Thursday, Asen Kyuchoukov, Chairman of the National Association of Tobacco Growers, says in "Troud". The protest is concentrated in Gotse Delchev, Haskovo and Rousse. "We want the [agriculture] minister to keep his promise, and we expect to be paid immediately the same amount as last year as agreed," the leader says. "Novinar" warns that the protesters are expected to block the border with Romania at the Danube Bridge and roads at Haskovo, Svilengrad, Gotse Delchev and Purvomai.
***
"Sega" reports that the Finance Ministry was shaken by the latest scandal over gambling tax. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Simeon Djankov said surprisingly on Wednesday that he is against a tax cut, although the Ministry's website has featured a bill of amendments to this effect for two weeks. Other ministries have been consulted about the bill and it is about to be introduced in the Council of Ministers. Gambling tax was raised two months ago after a monumental scandal, "Sega"says.
***
"Douma" quotes Regional Development Minister Rosen Plevneliev as saying that the government will start awarding concessions for the entire water and sewerage sector in 2011 because there is no financing for water mains replacement from Operational Programme Environment. The term of the concession contracts may be between 20 and 35 years.
***
"Monitor" quotes Borissov as saying that 200 million euro for the construction of the Danube Bridge may be lost due to poor management and the project's delay under former prime minister Sergei Stanishev. Borissov discussed this with his Romanian counterpart Emil Boc. The deadline is 2010 and Bulgaria will fail to use the EU money, Borissov said, reacting to Stanishev's criticism of the present government.
***
The closure of small hospitals is a high social price to pay and has next to no effect, "Sega" says.
***
Bulgarian military doctors have been offered monthly salaries of 36,000 dollars in Saudi Arabia, and between 15,000 and 20,000 dollars in Finland, Norway, Qatar and Oman, "Troud" says, quoting the director of the Military Medical Academy. General Stoyan Tonev says he received these offers within a week of meeting with the ambassadors of the five countries. At the same time general practitioners have not been paid their salaries for December yet.
***
"Telegraph" reports that Mariana Todorova, the lawyer of gangland bosses, including the Marinov brothers, also known as the Marguins, nearly died in a fire after unidentified persons set alight a tire in front of her door.
THE ECONOMY
"24 Chassa" quotes central bank statistics showing that 5,282 people were issued loans exceeding 1 million leva in 2009. Of them, 113 were borrowed by individuals, who took out a total of 202 million leva, 1,780,000 leva on average. In three years these borrowers increased fourfold. However, the credit crunch became evident in the summer when no bank issued a loan of over 1 million leva to a household. Corporate loans over that amount increased slightly, by 102 in three months, to 5,169.
***
"24 Chassa" assumes that the 11-day border blockade by Greek farmers has caused losses to both Bulgaria and Greece, while Turkey has gained from it. Since the border checkpoints at Koulata, Ilinden and Kapitan Petko Voivoda have been closed, the much liked Greek imports seabass and bream have been replaced with Turkish fish. Flower import has also been affected and roses are imported from the Netherlands only. "Zemya" reports that Brussels has threatened to penalize Greece. Spokesman Jonathan Todd is quoted as saying that the Greek authorities must notify the Commission and the EU countries of a road block which obstructs free movement and must provide detours, which did not happen.
***
In "24 Chassa" economists from the Centre for Liberal Strategies, the Institute of Market Economics, Industry Watch and other think-tanks advise against a budget deficit. A deficit puts the entire economy at risk, pushes up interest rates, shrinks investments, and euro zone membership may be postponed. If the government has outstanding debts, even if they were inherited from the previous government, they must be paid at the expense of other sectors, which are most ineffective and reforms have not made progress. Confidence takes time to build and the prudence of the post-1997 period will be blown to the wind if the government takes the easy way out as Greece did, casting a doubt on the future of the euro, the economists argue. A balanced budget is the only way to ensure budget responsibility, investments and economic growth.
FOREIGN POLICY
"Troud" says that after the EU showed sympathy in recent years for the outstanding issue of the property of Bulgarian refugees from Eastern Thrace and Asia Minor, now Brussels appears likely to be able to guarantee a solution, and Bulgarian diplomats should seize the opportunity. The daily learned that the speedy preparation of the next meeting of the Bulgarian-Turkish commission on outstanding issues will be high on Boyko Borissov's agenda during his visit to Turkey later this week.
***
Quoting "El Correo Gallego", "24 Chassa" writes about an emergency re-admission to hospital of Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha's eldest son, Kardam, who had a car crash in August 2008 and was in a coma. Kardam, 47, has improved since starting growth hormone treatment. He was hospitalized for breathing difficulties and strong fever.
Links to some Bulgarian info websites in English:
http://www.bta.bg/site/en/indexe.shtml
http://www.novinite.com/index.php
http://www.focus-fen.net/
Most discussed topics of the day – Sofia, January 28, 2010
· 380 000 Bulgarians have lost their rights to free healthcare after changes in the health insurance laws. If people want to regain their rights to free healthcare they will now have to re-pay all their outstanding health insurance payments as well as any interest incurred. On Monday there will be more accurate information for those who have paid their health insurance since of amendments the law now.
· An 18-year-old boy has died in Pirogov Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment and Emergency Aid. 18-year-old A.V. has been admitted to the hospital at 22:05 last evening. The boy had been shot in the head and died 15 minutes later. The incident occurred in the region of Central Railway Station in Sofia.
onsdag den 27. januar 2010
Bulgarian press review, January 27, 2010
Press Review
Sofia, January 27
THE HOME SCENE
"24 Chassa" quotes GERB Floor Co-leader Iskra Fidossova as saying that "there are no plans for a debate on the Cabinet changes," referring to Wednesday's election by Parliament of Nickolay Mladenov as Foreign Minister and of Anyu Angelov as Defence Minister. "As if anticipating GERB's intention to cut short the procedure, the MRF [Movement for Rights and Freedoms] yesterday urgently took exception to the idea. 'The BSP [Bulgarian Socialist Party] will insist on a debate," said the Deputy Floor Leader of the left-wing parliamentary group Mihail Mikov. Meanwhile, the UDF [Union of Democratic Forces] yesterday lashed out against future deputy prime minister Ilian Mihov. The UDF argues that oligarchy in Bulgaria has three objectives: to bring down the currency board arrangement, to frustrate the adoption of the euro, and to build the Belene N-plant. Mihov backs the first two ideas," "24 Chassa" writes.
* * *
"Prime Minister Boyko Borissov's difficulties with The Blue [Coalition] erupted in connection with his backing of Stanishev's deputy prime minister Meglena Plougchieva for a senior position at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development," political scientist Evgenii Dainov writes in a comment in "Troud." "In reality, it is all about undercurrents of self-identification of both Borissov and The Blue. The PM has opted for a strategy of keeping up his image as a national leader by demonstrating a statesmanlike suprapartisan behaviour rather than through political manoeuvring. The Blue Coalition, too, is seeking a new image and a clearer political role. Both Borissov and The Blue, however, find themselves at a disadvantage due to the lack of sustained dialogue, as well as exaggerating various happenings."
* * *
"Douma" quotes BSP leader Sergei Stanishev as saying on Tuesday that "the Cabinet changes contemplated by Boyko Borissov are inadequate and do not live up to public expectations. To live up to these expectations, the PM must part with at least three ministers: Finance Minister Simeon Djankov, Health Minister Bozhidar Nanev, and Environment Minister Nona Karadjova." The BSP will not back the Cabinet changes when they are put to the vote in Parliament on Wednesday.
* * *
"Troud" reports that UDF leader Martin Dimitrov told journalists on Tuesday that his party will compile a list of BSP and MRF bureaucrats who must be dismissed and will give the list to Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. The Blue attacked GERB for keeping for months now some notoriously incompetent representatives of the BSP and the MRF in senior positions, such as Energy Efficiency Agency chief Tasko Ermenkov. "If people believed that the BSP and MRF cadres in the administration were doing a good job, they would have voted for them," Dimitrov said, reasoning his demand for a purge.
* * *
"24 Chassa" frontpages the news that MRF leader Ahmed Dogan Tuesday assumed a new self-imposed responsibility: he will be in charge of "economic priorities, investment policy and new technology" in the Movement's Central Operative Bureau. "For the first time, Dogan took part personally and on an equal footing with the rest in the allocation of responsibilities, which are called 'panels' in the MRF. He chose his area of responsibility by himself. "Our ambition is that it will outline governance priorities with a view to seeking a national vision for the country's development," MRF Deputy Chairman Hristo Bisserov explained.
* * *
For the time being, GERB is adamant in its demand that the services and the Interior Ministry be able to require telephone and Internet traffic data not only in the case of serious offences (punishable by over five years' imprisonment), it emerges from modifications introduced by the ruling party before the second reading of the amendments to the Electronic Communications Act, "Troud" reports. "GERB insists on lifting the confidentiality of correspondence for lesser offences as well. The Right and the MRF, however, continue to argue that including other offences in addition to the serious ones is unconstitutional."
* * *
Under the heading "170 Hospitals Consigned to History," "Sega" writes that half of the hospitals in Bulgaria will probably cease to exist before the end of this year. Twenty-one medical-treatment facilities did not qualify for a contract with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) for 2010 and have no alternative source of financing. Another 158 concluded contracts for an average 48 per cent fewer clinical pathways, which calls their survival into question. One hundred and ninety hospitals are not threatened with extinction. The figures were reported by the NHIF now that contracting for 2010 is almost complete.
* * *
"Monitor" reports that by this summer at the latest, there will be a three-pillar health insurance model. National Assembly Health Committee Chairman Luchezar Ivanov said on Tuesday that during its summer session, the National Assembly will adopt the requisite revisions of the law to regulate the establishment of supplementary compulsory health insurance companies. At present health care is underfunded by nearly 2,500-3,000 million leva, the MP argued.
ECONOMY
"If there are companies which have planned a 10 per cent corruption tax and admit this, let them be so kind as to reduce the amount of their receivable," former finance minister Milen Velchev says in a "Troud" interview, commenting on a statement by Prime Minister Boyko Borissov that if the companies reduce the amounts due to them by the State by 10 per cent, they will get their money immediately. "But reducing them all to a common denominator and forcing them to operate at a loss is not only unfair, it is dishonest."
* * *
"The prices of electricity will vary with service quality," "Sega" reports. This is envisaged in a revision of the Ordinance on Pricing which will be approved by the State Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (SEWRC). SEWRC Chairman Angel Semerdjiev said he expects electricity prices to rise by up to 5 per cent as from July 1.
* * *
"Standart News" writes that bad loans continued to increase in December 2009, reaching a proportion of 10.60 per cent. For the frist time in Bulgaria, overdue housing loans have also surpassed the 10 per cent barrier. Non-performing loans have increased for all types of products. Corporate debts are overdue in 9.98 per cent of the cases, and consumer credit defaults stand at 12.25 per cent.
FOREIGN POLICY
"A war is going on Afghanistan - for you and for us," the newly appointed US Ambassador in Sofia James Warlick says in a "Troud" interview. "Our partnership is based on jointly addressing matters which are important for both countries. International peace and security are precisely such matters. They are as important for Bulgarians as they are for Americans. The threats we are facing in today's world are not just against the US, they are against everybody. That is why we are working together in places like Afghanistan. I expect this cooperation to be promoted during my ambassadorship here," Warlick adds.
* * *
"Borissov brings three things in his suitcase from Berlin," "24 Chassa" comments, referring to the PM's visit to Germany. "The confidence and support demonstrated on the part of Angela Merkel calls for a response on the part of Bulgaria. Germany appreciated what the new Government has done so far. Both Berlin and Europe, however, want to see more. Whatever assistance Borissov asked for, he was assured that what is possible will be done. For his part, he must do even the impossible on his tasks: getting Bulgaria back to the normal European family."
* * *
"Borissov Found His Match in Merkel," "Sega" comments. "If anybody has doubted that Borissov and GERB are to a certain extent a project of Merkel, there is no more room for hesitation. 'I can assure you that the new Bulgaria Government will work in such a way that you will not be ashamed of having backed us,' Borissov said, as if the German Chancellor had appointed him to the job. It emerged that the PM went to Germany together with half of his Cabinet not to hold any negotiations but to submit a summing-up. Borissov took along his closest aides to parade the people with whom he does the German bidding. What actually took place in Berlin was not negotiatons between two states but a review of the situation in Bulgaria. Merkel's promise to visit on October 12 is not a protocol courtesy but a deadline by which she expects to see something more significant."
Links to some Bulgarian info websites in English:
http://www.bta.bg/site/en/indexe.shtml
http://www.novinite.com/index.php
http://www.focus-fen.net/
Most discussed topics of the day – Sofia, January 27, 2010
· With 127 votes in favour, Bulgaria's Parliament approved on January 27 2010 the appointment of Nikolai Mladenov as the country's new Foreign Minister. Mladenov moves to the new post after having been Defence Minister. Parliament also approved the promotion of Mladenov's deputy at the Defence Ministry, Anyu Angelov, to Defence Minister.
· The roads in Greece are blocked in more than 25 places and there is a changeable schedule of the blockades. The losses Bulgaria has suffered up to now are estimated at over EUR 40 million. The associations of tax and customs officials have announced they are ready to stage a strike in February
Sofia, January 27
THE HOME SCENE
"24 Chassa" quotes GERB Floor Co-leader Iskra Fidossova as saying that "there are no plans for a debate on the Cabinet changes," referring to Wednesday's election by Parliament of Nickolay Mladenov as Foreign Minister and of Anyu Angelov as Defence Minister. "As if anticipating GERB's intention to cut short the procedure, the MRF [Movement for Rights and Freedoms] yesterday urgently took exception to the idea. 'The BSP [Bulgarian Socialist Party] will insist on a debate," said the Deputy Floor Leader of the left-wing parliamentary group Mihail Mikov. Meanwhile, the UDF [Union of Democratic Forces] yesterday lashed out against future deputy prime minister Ilian Mihov. The UDF argues that oligarchy in Bulgaria has three objectives: to bring down the currency board arrangement, to frustrate the adoption of the euro, and to build the Belene N-plant. Mihov backs the first two ideas," "24 Chassa" writes.
* * *
"Prime Minister Boyko Borissov's difficulties with The Blue [Coalition] erupted in connection with his backing of Stanishev's deputy prime minister Meglena Plougchieva for a senior position at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development," political scientist Evgenii Dainov writes in a comment in "Troud." "In reality, it is all about undercurrents of self-identification of both Borissov and The Blue. The PM has opted for a strategy of keeping up his image as a national leader by demonstrating a statesmanlike suprapartisan behaviour rather than through political manoeuvring. The Blue Coalition, too, is seeking a new image and a clearer political role. Both Borissov and The Blue, however, find themselves at a disadvantage due to the lack of sustained dialogue, as well as exaggerating various happenings."
* * *
"Douma" quotes BSP leader Sergei Stanishev as saying on Tuesday that "the Cabinet changes contemplated by Boyko Borissov are inadequate and do not live up to public expectations. To live up to these expectations, the PM must part with at least three ministers: Finance Minister Simeon Djankov, Health Minister Bozhidar Nanev, and Environment Minister Nona Karadjova." The BSP will not back the Cabinet changes when they are put to the vote in Parliament on Wednesday.
* * *
"Troud" reports that UDF leader Martin Dimitrov told journalists on Tuesday that his party will compile a list of BSP and MRF bureaucrats who must be dismissed and will give the list to Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. The Blue attacked GERB for keeping for months now some notoriously incompetent representatives of the BSP and the MRF in senior positions, such as Energy Efficiency Agency chief Tasko Ermenkov. "If people believed that the BSP and MRF cadres in the administration were doing a good job, they would have voted for them," Dimitrov said, reasoning his demand for a purge.
* * *
"24 Chassa" frontpages the news that MRF leader Ahmed Dogan Tuesday assumed a new self-imposed responsibility: he will be in charge of "economic priorities, investment policy and new technology" in the Movement's Central Operative Bureau. "For the first time, Dogan took part personally and on an equal footing with the rest in the allocation of responsibilities, which are called 'panels' in the MRF. He chose his area of responsibility by himself. "Our ambition is that it will outline governance priorities with a view to seeking a national vision for the country's development," MRF Deputy Chairman Hristo Bisserov explained.
* * *
For the time being, GERB is adamant in its demand that the services and the Interior Ministry be able to require telephone and Internet traffic data not only in the case of serious offences (punishable by over five years' imprisonment), it emerges from modifications introduced by the ruling party before the second reading of the amendments to the Electronic Communications Act, "Troud" reports. "GERB insists on lifting the confidentiality of correspondence for lesser offences as well. The Right and the MRF, however, continue to argue that including other offences in addition to the serious ones is unconstitutional."
* * *
Under the heading "170 Hospitals Consigned to History," "Sega" writes that half of the hospitals in Bulgaria will probably cease to exist before the end of this year. Twenty-one medical-treatment facilities did not qualify for a contract with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) for 2010 and have no alternative source of financing. Another 158 concluded contracts for an average 48 per cent fewer clinical pathways, which calls their survival into question. One hundred and ninety hospitals are not threatened with extinction. The figures were reported by the NHIF now that contracting for 2010 is almost complete.
* * *
"Monitor" reports that by this summer at the latest, there will be a three-pillar health insurance model. National Assembly Health Committee Chairman Luchezar Ivanov said on Tuesday that during its summer session, the National Assembly will adopt the requisite revisions of the law to regulate the establishment of supplementary compulsory health insurance companies. At present health care is underfunded by nearly 2,500-3,000 million leva, the MP argued.
ECONOMY
"If there are companies which have planned a 10 per cent corruption tax and admit this, let them be so kind as to reduce the amount of their receivable," former finance minister Milen Velchev says in a "Troud" interview, commenting on a statement by Prime Minister Boyko Borissov that if the companies reduce the amounts due to them by the State by 10 per cent, they will get their money immediately. "But reducing them all to a common denominator and forcing them to operate at a loss is not only unfair, it is dishonest."
* * *
"The prices of electricity will vary with service quality," "Sega" reports. This is envisaged in a revision of the Ordinance on Pricing which will be approved by the State Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (SEWRC). SEWRC Chairman Angel Semerdjiev said he expects electricity prices to rise by up to 5 per cent as from July 1.
* * *
"Standart News" writes that bad loans continued to increase in December 2009, reaching a proportion of 10.60 per cent. For the frist time in Bulgaria, overdue housing loans have also surpassed the 10 per cent barrier. Non-performing loans have increased for all types of products. Corporate debts are overdue in 9.98 per cent of the cases, and consumer credit defaults stand at 12.25 per cent.
FOREIGN POLICY
"A war is going on Afghanistan - for you and for us," the newly appointed US Ambassador in Sofia James Warlick says in a "Troud" interview. "Our partnership is based on jointly addressing matters which are important for both countries. International peace and security are precisely such matters. They are as important for Bulgarians as they are for Americans. The threats we are facing in today's world are not just against the US, they are against everybody. That is why we are working together in places like Afghanistan. I expect this cooperation to be promoted during my ambassadorship here," Warlick adds.
* * *
"Borissov brings three things in his suitcase from Berlin," "24 Chassa" comments, referring to the PM's visit to Germany. "The confidence and support demonstrated on the part of Angela Merkel calls for a response on the part of Bulgaria. Germany appreciated what the new Government has done so far. Both Berlin and Europe, however, want to see more. Whatever assistance Borissov asked for, he was assured that what is possible will be done. For his part, he must do even the impossible on his tasks: getting Bulgaria back to the normal European family."
* * *
"Borissov Found His Match in Merkel," "Sega" comments. "If anybody has doubted that Borissov and GERB are to a certain extent a project of Merkel, there is no more room for hesitation. 'I can assure you that the new Bulgaria Government will work in such a way that you will not be ashamed of having backed us,' Borissov said, as if the German Chancellor had appointed him to the job. It emerged that the PM went to Germany together with half of his Cabinet not to hold any negotiations but to submit a summing-up. Borissov took along his closest aides to parade the people with whom he does the German bidding. What actually took place in Berlin was not negotiatons between two states but a review of the situation in Bulgaria. Merkel's promise to visit on October 12 is not a protocol courtesy but a deadline by which she expects to see something more significant."
Links to some Bulgarian info websites in English:
http://www.bta.bg/site/en/indexe.shtml
http://www.novinite.com/index.php
http://www.focus-fen.net/
Most discussed topics of the day – Sofia, January 27, 2010
· With 127 votes in favour, Bulgaria's Parliament approved on January 27 2010 the appointment of Nikolai Mladenov as the country's new Foreign Minister. Mladenov moves to the new post after having been Defence Minister. Parliament also approved the promotion of Mladenov's deputy at the Defence Ministry, Anyu Angelov, to Defence Minister.
· The roads in Greece are blocked in more than 25 places and there is a changeable schedule of the blockades. The losses Bulgaria has suffered up to now are estimated at over EUR 40 million. The associations of tax and customs officials have announced they are ready to stage a strike in February
tirsdag den 26. januar 2010
Bulgarian press review, January 26, 2010
Press Review
Sofia, January 26
FOREIGN POLICY
The press leads on the rocket attack on Afghanistan's Kandahar Airport in which three Bulgarian servicemen received severe injuries. "Bulgarian ranger is in coma after a Taliban attack in Afghanistan," writes "Novinar". "Troud" has an interview with outgoing Defence Minister Nickolay Mladenov where he provides details about the condition of the three servicemen.
***
"24 Chassa" quotes knowledgeable sources as saying that the presence of Defence Minister Mladenov in Kandahar provoked the attack. Security experts tell this paper that the outgoing defence minister and future Bulgarian foreign minister broke the basic safety rules. First, he gave publicity to his visit immediately after landing in Kabul. Second, he went on an unprecedented five-day visit while all his predecessors and counterparts of other countries which have troops there fly in the night, do their job during the day and fly back home in the evening. Third, it was too big a risk to stay at the Kandahar base, especially when it was too easy to figure out where he was headed after Kabul (to Kandahar, where Bulgaria has the biggest contingent).
***
Deputy Defence Minister Anyu Angelov tells "Standard News" that Mladenov's visit was kept a secret until the last momnent.
***
The Tuesday press provides coverage of the Berlin visit of Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. A sample of headlines: "Merkel Commends PM Borissov's European Policy" ("Troud"), "German Investment on Condition of Judicial Reforms" ("24 Chassa"), "Merkel Gives Support for Euro, Schengen" ("Telegraf").
***
The Bulgarian authorities have long been aware of the problems in the water sector and the latest letter by Dirk Ahner, the Director General at the Directorate General for Regional Policy in the European Commission, was only a reminder, this DG's Spokesman, Dennis Abbott, told "Dnevnik". The remark was prompted by Prime Minister Borissov's statement of Sunday that the previous government kept secret the letters it got from Brussels warning it of problems with the EU funding for the water sector. Abbot is quotes as saying that all facts in Ahner's letter are known as they have repeatedly been discussed at meetings of the new Bulgarian administration and Commission experts. A "Sega" analysis says that the hiden-the-letter game does not excuse Borissov's government and smears Bulgaria's image.
***
"Troud" carries an interview with Greek Ambassador Danae-Madeleine Koumanakou who says that the actions of the protesting Greek farmers are an expression of the democratic principles underlying the functioning of Greece and are not aimed against Bulgaria, which is a friendly neighbouring country. She said that the Greek government is urging dialogue with the protesters and wants to resolve the problems and see the blockade of the Bulgarian-Greek border lifted the soonest possible.
***
A front-page story in "Klassa" says that the losses the border blockade is causing Bulgarian businesses are snowballing and have likely crossed the 80 million leva mark.
***
The commission in charge of opening the secret files of the communist-era State Security service will run a check for Kristalina Georgieva, the Bulgarian EU Commissioner-designate, Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov said Monday. The check is aimed to dispell suspicions about her affiliation with the communist services and will be done with Georgieva's consent.
***
In "24 Chassa", Prime Minister Borissov explains his support for the application of former Deputy Prime Minister Meglena Plougchieva (in the Sergei Stanishev government) for a senior position at the EBRD, with his belief that Bulgarians holding high offices "will have one eye on Bulgaria". This is the Prime Minister's response to criticism that he shouldn't have supported a person who has been part of the previous government.
***
In a "Troud" interview, Swedish Ambassador Paul Beijer provides details on his country's plans to close down embassies and open new ones. The Swedish Embassy in Sofia will close on September 30. "In Sweden, like in Bulgaria, budgetary discipline is strictly observed and this involves difficult decisions," he says.The Sofia office of the Swedish Trade Council remains. An honorary consulate will be establish to deal with visa issues for non-Bulgarians.
JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS
The cases of three ministers of the Stanishev government - Emilia Maslarova (Labour and Social Policy), Nikolai Tsonev (Defence) and Valeri Tsvetanov (Agriculture), are about to enter the trial phase, says "Troud". Sofia city prosecutor Nikolai Kokinov reportedly said that the malfeasance-in-office investigation against Maslarova will be completed in early February. He would not say whether or not she will be indicted but sources of the prosecuting magistracy are adamant that Maslarova broke the Public Procurement Act. Tsvetanov's case for unlawful land swaps will enter the court two weeks from now. The paper adds that the former head of the National Revenue Agency, Maria Mourgina, will be tried for four offences, including tax evasion.
***
In a "Troud" interview, Kokinov says that all members of the Naglite [Impudent] kidnapping group are facing trial. He says that 10 people have been arrested in this case and most of them are willing to cooperate, trying to downplay their own role in the ring and aggravate the situation of their mates.
THE HOME SCENE
"Douma" ("40 Years of Service for Pension"), "Dnevnik" ("Pensions' Dilemma: at 63 or 65 Years") and "Sega" ("Dramatic Increase of Required Length of Service for Pension") lead on contemplated changes in the pension system concerning the age of retirement and the amount of pensions. The changes were proposed by an advisory board on the pension reform and were made public Monday by Labour Minister Totyu Mladenov.
***
"Dnevnik" reports that the government is willing to allow an increase of the budget deficit to 1.7 per cent of the expected GDP. The extraordinary expenses will be for payment of outstanding liabilities to the private sector.
***
The next six months will be decisive for making tangible the effect from EU funding, Centre for Economic Development head Georgi Prohaski says in a "Klassa" interview. He does not expects problems with achieving the revenue target in the national budget and even sees a likelyhood of surplus.
***
The real estate market is faced with a new collapse because of mortgaged homes: 37 per cent of home sellers experienced financial problems last year, "Klassa" says on its front page. The market could be flooded by offers of bank-owned homes and this will push prices further down and cause a collapse in the real estate business, says Tsevtelina Tasseva, CEO of the real estate broker Address. Experts say that an increasing number of banks are considering the establishment of own home brokerage units to sell mortgaged homes.
***
"Troud" reports that 231 schools in Northern and Eastern Bulgaria will be closed for cold days. The temperatures reached record-setting lows in eight towns. It was worst in Glavinitsa in Northeastern Bulgaria which had minus 29 C (down from the previous record of minus 26 C in 1982).
***
In a side effect of the cold spell, traffic police no longer use batons to stop cars for inspection: they stop them by using the lights and siren of the patrol car - and stay inside the patrol car, "24 Chassa" reports. That has been allowed by the law for many years now but is being put into practice only recently as temperatures plemmetted below zero.
Links to some Bulgarian info websites in English:
http://www.bta.bg/site/en/indexe.shtml
http://www.novinite.com/index.php
http://www.focus-fen.net/
Most discussed topics of the day – Sofia, January 26, 2010
· Bulgarian Defense Minister Nikolay Mladenov has called Taliban claims that the rocket attack on the NATO Air Base in Kandahar was targeted personally at him “absurd”. The three injured Bulgarian troops have not been transported to the military hospital in Landstuhl in Germany yet. It is still not clear when that will happen. The forth injured - Sergent Aleksandrov, who is said to be in the worst condition, is stable, but still on life support.
· Bulgaria's Transport Ministry has advised Bulgarian citizens not to undertake travels to Greece as the protests by Greek farmers against falling subsidies entered into a second week and their stand toughened. At 11:00 p.m. the Greek farmers again blocked Promachonas checkpoint and no trucks are allowed to cross the border at Kulata checkpoint. Cars and buses can cross it freely. There is no information when the blockade will be lifted.
· Bulgaria's new centre-right government will launch a procedure for new private investors for its majority stake in the planned Belene nuclear power plant by the end of the year. There was reportedly renewed interest by big German energy companies to participate in Bulgarian projects. Representatives of these companies were to start negotiations in Sofia next week.
Sofia, January 26
FOREIGN POLICY
The press leads on the rocket attack on Afghanistan's Kandahar Airport in which three Bulgarian servicemen received severe injuries. "Bulgarian ranger is in coma after a Taliban attack in Afghanistan," writes "Novinar". "Troud" has an interview with outgoing Defence Minister Nickolay Mladenov where he provides details about the condition of the three servicemen.
***
"24 Chassa" quotes knowledgeable sources as saying that the presence of Defence Minister Mladenov in Kandahar provoked the attack. Security experts tell this paper that the outgoing defence minister and future Bulgarian foreign minister broke the basic safety rules. First, he gave publicity to his visit immediately after landing in Kabul. Second, he went on an unprecedented five-day visit while all his predecessors and counterparts of other countries which have troops there fly in the night, do their job during the day and fly back home in the evening. Third, it was too big a risk to stay at the Kandahar base, especially when it was too easy to figure out where he was headed after Kabul (to Kandahar, where Bulgaria has the biggest contingent).
***
Deputy Defence Minister Anyu Angelov tells "Standard News" that Mladenov's visit was kept a secret until the last momnent.
***
The Tuesday press provides coverage of the Berlin visit of Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. A sample of headlines: "Merkel Commends PM Borissov's European Policy" ("Troud"), "German Investment on Condition of Judicial Reforms" ("24 Chassa"), "Merkel Gives Support for Euro, Schengen" ("Telegraf").
***
The Bulgarian authorities have long been aware of the problems in the water sector and the latest letter by Dirk Ahner, the Director General at the Directorate General for Regional Policy in the European Commission, was only a reminder, this DG's Spokesman, Dennis Abbott, told "Dnevnik". The remark was prompted by Prime Minister Borissov's statement of Sunday that the previous government kept secret the letters it got from Brussels warning it of problems with the EU funding for the water sector. Abbot is quotes as saying that all facts in Ahner's letter are known as they have repeatedly been discussed at meetings of the new Bulgarian administration and Commission experts. A "Sega" analysis says that the hiden-the-letter game does not excuse Borissov's government and smears Bulgaria's image.
***
"Troud" carries an interview with Greek Ambassador Danae-Madeleine Koumanakou who says that the actions of the protesting Greek farmers are an expression of the democratic principles underlying the functioning of Greece and are not aimed against Bulgaria, which is a friendly neighbouring country. She said that the Greek government is urging dialogue with the protesters and wants to resolve the problems and see the blockade of the Bulgarian-Greek border lifted the soonest possible.
***
A front-page story in "Klassa" says that the losses the border blockade is causing Bulgarian businesses are snowballing and have likely crossed the 80 million leva mark.
***
The commission in charge of opening the secret files of the communist-era State Security service will run a check for Kristalina Georgieva, the Bulgarian EU Commissioner-designate, Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov said Monday. The check is aimed to dispell suspicions about her affiliation with the communist services and will be done with Georgieva's consent.
***
In "24 Chassa", Prime Minister Borissov explains his support for the application of former Deputy Prime Minister Meglena Plougchieva (in the Sergei Stanishev government) for a senior position at the EBRD, with his belief that Bulgarians holding high offices "will have one eye on Bulgaria". This is the Prime Minister's response to criticism that he shouldn't have supported a person who has been part of the previous government.
***
In a "Troud" interview, Swedish Ambassador Paul Beijer provides details on his country's plans to close down embassies and open new ones. The Swedish Embassy in Sofia will close on September 30. "In Sweden, like in Bulgaria, budgetary discipline is strictly observed and this involves difficult decisions," he says.The Sofia office of the Swedish Trade Council remains. An honorary consulate will be establish to deal with visa issues for non-Bulgarians.
JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS
The cases of three ministers of the Stanishev government - Emilia Maslarova (Labour and Social Policy), Nikolai Tsonev (Defence) and Valeri Tsvetanov (Agriculture), are about to enter the trial phase, says "Troud". Sofia city prosecutor Nikolai Kokinov reportedly said that the malfeasance-in-office investigation against Maslarova will be completed in early February. He would not say whether or not she will be indicted but sources of the prosecuting magistracy are adamant that Maslarova broke the Public Procurement Act. Tsvetanov's case for unlawful land swaps will enter the court two weeks from now. The paper adds that the former head of the National Revenue Agency, Maria Mourgina, will be tried for four offences, including tax evasion.
***
In a "Troud" interview, Kokinov says that all members of the Naglite [Impudent] kidnapping group are facing trial. He says that 10 people have been arrested in this case and most of them are willing to cooperate, trying to downplay their own role in the ring and aggravate the situation of their mates.
THE HOME SCENE
"Douma" ("40 Years of Service for Pension"), "Dnevnik" ("Pensions' Dilemma: at 63 or 65 Years") and "Sega" ("Dramatic Increase of Required Length of Service for Pension") lead on contemplated changes in the pension system concerning the age of retirement and the amount of pensions. The changes were proposed by an advisory board on the pension reform and were made public Monday by Labour Minister Totyu Mladenov.
***
"Dnevnik" reports that the government is willing to allow an increase of the budget deficit to 1.7 per cent of the expected GDP. The extraordinary expenses will be for payment of outstanding liabilities to the private sector.
***
The next six months will be decisive for making tangible the effect from EU funding, Centre for Economic Development head Georgi Prohaski says in a "Klassa" interview. He does not expects problems with achieving the revenue target in the national budget and even sees a likelyhood of surplus.
***
The real estate market is faced with a new collapse because of mortgaged homes: 37 per cent of home sellers experienced financial problems last year, "Klassa" says on its front page. The market could be flooded by offers of bank-owned homes and this will push prices further down and cause a collapse in the real estate business, says Tsevtelina Tasseva, CEO of the real estate broker Address. Experts say that an increasing number of banks are considering the establishment of own home brokerage units to sell mortgaged homes.
***
"Troud" reports that 231 schools in Northern and Eastern Bulgaria will be closed for cold days. The temperatures reached record-setting lows in eight towns. It was worst in Glavinitsa in Northeastern Bulgaria which had minus 29 C (down from the previous record of minus 26 C in 1982).
***
In a side effect of the cold spell, traffic police no longer use batons to stop cars for inspection: they stop them by using the lights and siren of the patrol car - and stay inside the patrol car, "24 Chassa" reports. That has been allowed by the law for many years now but is being put into practice only recently as temperatures plemmetted below zero.
Links to some Bulgarian info websites in English:
http://www.bta.bg/site/en/indexe.shtml
http://www.novinite.com/index.php
http://www.focus-fen.net/
Most discussed topics of the day – Sofia, January 26, 2010
· Bulgarian Defense Minister Nikolay Mladenov has called Taliban claims that the rocket attack on the NATO Air Base in Kandahar was targeted personally at him “absurd”. The three injured Bulgarian troops have not been transported to the military hospital in Landstuhl in Germany yet. It is still not clear when that will happen. The forth injured - Sergent Aleksandrov, who is said to be in the worst condition, is stable, but still on life support.
· Bulgaria's Transport Ministry has advised Bulgarian citizens not to undertake travels to Greece as the protests by Greek farmers against falling subsidies entered into a second week and their stand toughened. At 11:00 p.m. the Greek farmers again blocked Promachonas checkpoint and no trucks are allowed to cross the border at Kulata checkpoint. Cars and buses can cross it freely. There is no information when the blockade will be lifted.
· Bulgaria's new centre-right government will launch a procedure for new private investors for its majority stake in the planned Belene nuclear power plant by the end of the year. There was reportedly renewed interest by big German energy companies to participate in Bulgarian projects. Representatives of these companies were to start negotiations in Sofia next week.
mandag den 25. januar 2010
Bulgarian press review, January 25, 2010
Press Review
Sofia, January 25
THE HOME SCENE
"24 Chassa" carries an interview with Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, in which he names the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) as GERB's main political opponent. Borissov says that unlike other loud political formations, the MRF are acting on the sly, in a European manner. The MRF backs GERB's good intentions in Parliament and no one could accuse them of sabotaging the state. The Prime Minister also says that they are very careful to conceal any involvement in any spots of tension in the country. Media, related to the MRF, have gone soft on the government. Dogan knows that every one of his political allies in the past 20 years has failed spectacularly, Borissov recalls. The Prime Minister is categorical that his government will be in power as long as it manages to govern alone. An hour after this becomes impossible, Borissov vows to hand in his resignation. Bargains with other parliamentary groups in a vote of no-confidence scenario, will mean that the GERB cause has failed.
***
In a "Troud" interview, MRF deputy leader Lyutvi Mestan forecasts that the era of GERB will be succeeded by the era of entrepreneurship. The idea of the messiah in politics is dying out and it will be replaced by pragmatism. The groundwork is laid for new political projects. Mestan argues that the entrepreneurship is the counterpoint of the messiah, where the mindset is that man is self-sufficient and the state is only his partner.
***
Interviewed by "Sega", political analyst Vladimir Shopov says that the Jeleva lesson shows that GERB power has its limits. According to him, the failure of Jeleva's nomination may be rooted in GERB's sense of infallibility as a party that always wins elections and beats everyone. To some extent, this sense has reflected on GERB's self-perception as a force on the foreign political scene. The excessive attention by the European People's Party and the serious investments in GERB as a political project have contributed to the conviction that purely political support is enough for the success of Jeleva's nomination.
***
In an analysis "Monitor" writes that Kristalina Georgieva's nomination has shown Prime Minister Boyko Borissov's swift reaction. The attacks against the Bulgarian Commissioner-designate, Jeleva's withdrawal from the post and Georgieva's nomination have reduced the risk of an open political confrontation in the European Parliament.
***
In a interview for "24 Chassa", Justice Minister Margarita Popova says that now it is victims, and not offenders, who are suffering at the hands of justice. Popova says that revisions to the Penal Code aim to speed up high-profile cases.The changes envisage a back-up defence lawyer in the pre-trial and trial phase.The Justice Minister also notes that under the Penal Code police officers are not trusted as witness and that a decisive reform is called for to change the existing rules.
***
"Troud" headlines "GERB Loses Blue Coalition's Support, If It Touches Gambling." In an interview Sunday on the Bulgarian National Radio, Blue Coalition co-leader Ivan Kostov warned the government that his coalition would withdraw its support if the cabinet changes the gambling tax in favour of businessman Vassil Bozhkov. Kostov explained that his concern stemmed from rumours spreading in Parliament that gambling laws would be changed. Kostov also said that the Blue Coalition approves of the cabinet reshuffle, although it had not been consulted by GERB.
***
"Troud" reports that MP Mihail Mikov of the Bulgarian Socialist Party called for the resignation of the Health Minister on the Bulgarian National Radio on Sunday. Mikov had been shocked at the Minister's remark that hospitals that are about to be closed under the plans of his Ministry "are sowing death." Mikov also raised the question of what would happen with the equipment of the shut hospitals. According to Mikov, the reserve of 1.5 billion leva of the National Health Insurance Fund should be unblocked. Mikov said that it had not been accrued to prop up the fiscal reserve.
***
In an interview for "24 Chassa", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences President Nikola Subotinov says that scientific fields that are making headway will not fall victim to the structural reform at the academy. Subotinov launches the idea of a research university under the academy, which will make full use of the academy facilities (nuclear reactor, research vessel, observatory, laboratories, museums) and staff capabilities without transferring research activities to universities.
***
"Sega" informs of the casualties and chaos, caused by the cold weather. The country has been in a snowy grip since the middle of the week. The cold has claimed five lives. Dozens of vehicles have been abandoned and a number of places have been left with no electricity, water or food. Northeastern Bulgaria was impassable because of drifts.
ECONOMY
In a "24 Chassa" analysis, President's aide and former deputy finance minister Kiril Ananiev lists seven upsides to a sensible 2 per cent deficit, which will be working towards concrete objectives: to support the business mostly through covering back payments for work done; to stimulate demand; to update the minimum wage and pay in the public sector; to provide a push for the key budget reforms and to sustain investment in major infrastructure projects.
***
"Troud" writes that the crisis has destroyed 1,500 construction companies. Big companies are experiencing difficulties, while middle and small-sized companies are going bankrupt. The number of construction businesses in operation has plunged from 5,700 to 4,100-4,200, according to Regional Development Minister Rosen Plevneliev in a radio interview. In his words, this is the price Bulgaria is paying for the easy money that had gone to people's heads.
***
"Troud" writes that Bulgaria runs the risk of losing at least 15 to 20 per cent of the EU funds for environment, after the Stanishev cabinet concealed four important letters from the European Commission. Prime Minister Boyko Borissov told a news conference that the European Commission had told the government to put an end to the schemes for money siphoning. In return, the government officials concealed all correspondence with the European Commission on the OP Environment and ISPA. Borissov said this was a sabotage and vowed to punish those responsible.
Former environment minister Djevdet Chakurov denied any concealed correspondnece between his ministry and the EC during his tenure.
Links to some Bulgarian info websites in English:
http://www.bta.bg/site/en/indexe.shtml
http://www.novinite.com/index.php
http://www.focus-fen.net/
Most discussed topics of the day – Sofia, January 25, 2010
· A Taliban rocket attack hit the Kandahar NATO Air Base late Sunday night during the visit of the Bulgarian Defense Minister, Nikolay Mladenov, there. US Ambassador to Bulgaria James Warlick has extended his sympathies to the families of the four Bulgarian soldiers who were injured in the attack.
· Two kilometer TIR line is formed along Kulata checkpoint on the Bulgarian side of the border with Greece. The line along the Promachonas checkpoint is almost double. Cars, mini buses and buses are allowed using the border. Bulgarian Red Cross (BRC) will inform its head office, located in Geneva, about the crisis condition along border checkpoints on Bulgarian-Greek border. The volunteers will help 250 people, who are waiting for hours along the checkpoint the Greek farmers to lift the blockage.
Sofia, January 25
THE HOME SCENE
"24 Chassa" carries an interview with Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, in which he names the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) as GERB's main political opponent. Borissov says that unlike other loud political formations, the MRF are acting on the sly, in a European manner. The MRF backs GERB's good intentions in Parliament and no one could accuse them of sabotaging the state. The Prime Minister also says that they are very careful to conceal any involvement in any spots of tension in the country. Media, related to the MRF, have gone soft on the government. Dogan knows that every one of his political allies in the past 20 years has failed spectacularly, Borissov recalls. The Prime Minister is categorical that his government will be in power as long as it manages to govern alone. An hour after this becomes impossible, Borissov vows to hand in his resignation. Bargains with other parliamentary groups in a vote of no-confidence scenario, will mean that the GERB cause has failed.
***
In a "Troud" interview, MRF deputy leader Lyutvi Mestan forecasts that the era of GERB will be succeeded by the era of entrepreneurship. The idea of the messiah in politics is dying out and it will be replaced by pragmatism. The groundwork is laid for new political projects. Mestan argues that the entrepreneurship is the counterpoint of the messiah, where the mindset is that man is self-sufficient and the state is only his partner.
***
Interviewed by "Sega", political analyst Vladimir Shopov says that the Jeleva lesson shows that GERB power has its limits. According to him, the failure of Jeleva's nomination may be rooted in GERB's sense of infallibility as a party that always wins elections and beats everyone. To some extent, this sense has reflected on GERB's self-perception as a force on the foreign political scene. The excessive attention by the European People's Party and the serious investments in GERB as a political project have contributed to the conviction that purely political support is enough for the success of Jeleva's nomination.
***
In an analysis "Monitor" writes that Kristalina Georgieva's nomination has shown Prime Minister Boyko Borissov's swift reaction. The attacks against the Bulgarian Commissioner-designate, Jeleva's withdrawal from the post and Georgieva's nomination have reduced the risk of an open political confrontation in the European Parliament.
***
In a interview for "24 Chassa", Justice Minister Margarita Popova says that now it is victims, and not offenders, who are suffering at the hands of justice. Popova says that revisions to the Penal Code aim to speed up high-profile cases.The changes envisage a back-up defence lawyer in the pre-trial and trial phase.The Justice Minister also notes that under the Penal Code police officers are not trusted as witness and that a decisive reform is called for to change the existing rules.
***
"Troud" headlines "GERB Loses Blue Coalition's Support, If It Touches Gambling." In an interview Sunday on the Bulgarian National Radio, Blue Coalition co-leader Ivan Kostov warned the government that his coalition would withdraw its support if the cabinet changes the gambling tax in favour of businessman Vassil Bozhkov. Kostov explained that his concern stemmed from rumours spreading in Parliament that gambling laws would be changed. Kostov also said that the Blue Coalition approves of the cabinet reshuffle, although it had not been consulted by GERB.
***
"Troud" reports that MP Mihail Mikov of the Bulgarian Socialist Party called for the resignation of the Health Minister on the Bulgarian National Radio on Sunday. Mikov had been shocked at the Minister's remark that hospitals that are about to be closed under the plans of his Ministry "are sowing death." Mikov also raised the question of what would happen with the equipment of the shut hospitals. According to Mikov, the reserve of 1.5 billion leva of the National Health Insurance Fund should be unblocked. Mikov said that it had not been accrued to prop up the fiscal reserve.
***
In an interview for "24 Chassa", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences President Nikola Subotinov says that scientific fields that are making headway will not fall victim to the structural reform at the academy. Subotinov launches the idea of a research university under the academy, which will make full use of the academy facilities (nuclear reactor, research vessel, observatory, laboratories, museums) and staff capabilities without transferring research activities to universities.
***
"Sega" informs of the casualties and chaos, caused by the cold weather. The country has been in a snowy grip since the middle of the week. The cold has claimed five lives. Dozens of vehicles have been abandoned and a number of places have been left with no electricity, water or food. Northeastern Bulgaria was impassable because of drifts.
ECONOMY
In a "24 Chassa" analysis, President's aide and former deputy finance minister Kiril Ananiev lists seven upsides to a sensible 2 per cent deficit, which will be working towards concrete objectives: to support the business mostly through covering back payments for work done; to stimulate demand; to update the minimum wage and pay in the public sector; to provide a push for the key budget reforms and to sustain investment in major infrastructure projects.
***
"Troud" writes that the crisis has destroyed 1,500 construction companies. Big companies are experiencing difficulties, while middle and small-sized companies are going bankrupt. The number of construction businesses in operation has plunged from 5,700 to 4,100-4,200, according to Regional Development Minister Rosen Plevneliev in a radio interview. In his words, this is the price Bulgaria is paying for the easy money that had gone to people's heads.
***
"Troud" writes that Bulgaria runs the risk of losing at least 15 to 20 per cent of the EU funds for environment, after the Stanishev cabinet concealed four important letters from the European Commission. Prime Minister Boyko Borissov told a news conference that the European Commission had told the government to put an end to the schemes for money siphoning. In return, the government officials concealed all correspondence with the European Commission on the OP Environment and ISPA. Borissov said this was a sabotage and vowed to punish those responsible.
Former environment minister Djevdet Chakurov denied any concealed correspondnece between his ministry and the EC during his tenure.
Links to some Bulgarian info websites in English:
http://www.bta.bg/site/en/indexe.shtml
http://www.novinite.com/index.php
http://www.focus-fen.net/
Most discussed topics of the day – Sofia, January 25, 2010
· A Taliban rocket attack hit the Kandahar NATO Air Base late Sunday night during the visit of the Bulgarian Defense Minister, Nikolay Mladenov, there. US Ambassador to Bulgaria James Warlick has extended his sympathies to the families of the four Bulgarian soldiers who were injured in the attack.
· Two kilometer TIR line is formed along Kulata checkpoint on the Bulgarian side of the border with Greece. The line along the Promachonas checkpoint is almost double. Cars, mini buses and buses are allowed using the border. Bulgarian Red Cross (BRC) will inform its head office, located in Geneva, about the crisis condition along border checkpoints on Bulgarian-Greek border. The volunteers will help 250 people, who are waiting for hours along the checkpoint the Greek farmers to lift the blockage.
onsdag den 20. januar 2010
Bulgarian press review, January 20, 2010
Press Review
Sofia, January 20
BULGARIA – EU
Most newspapers lead with the news that the new Bulgarian candidate for European commissioner is Kristalina Georgieva, currently Vice-President of the World Bank. Prime Minister Boyko Borissov has informed European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso about his intention to suggest Georgieva as member of the EC. Commenting on Rumiana Jeleva's withdrawal as Commissioner-designate, Barroso said he "fully respected" her "personal decision."
* * *
Although Borissov did not accept Jeleva's resignation as foreign minister, too, "Troud" writes there are speculations about her possible successor. The candidates include Deputy Foreign Minister Marin Raikov; the Bulgarian ambassador to the European Union in Brussels, Boyko Kotsev; the former ambassador to the United Nations, Stefan Tafrov; the new deputy foreign minister, Konstantin Dimitrov (affiliated to the Democrats for Strong Bulgaria).
* * *
According to "Sega," by staying in the cabinet Jeleva is in breach of the principles of at least two statutory acts - on administration and on the prevention of conflict of interest, because she has not ended her participation in the management of the company ETKO Schneiders.
* * *
"A strong candidature in Jeleva's place," "Novinar" says in a subtitle on the topic. "Klassa" quotes Georgieva as saying: "It is difficult, but we will manage it." "Klassa" publishes Georgieva's profile under the headline "All Is Work."
* * *
Commenting on the EC portfolio she would get, Georgieva says, as quoted in "Troud," that it has themes in it that are close to what she is in charge of at the World Bank. In her words, her experience at the mega-bank will help for her successful presentation at the hearing in the European Parliament.
* * *
"Standart News" discusses Georgieva's nomination under the headline "European Commissioner from America."
* * *
"24 Chassa" observes that Borissov has suggested his "strongest possible player." Georgieva has huge experience on the world scene, she knows the hot spots in the world, has been in very dangerous situations and knows how to react to particular problems, the daily says. Her experience at the World Bank is just another advantage. Brussels can now be relieved that Bulgaria is going to name an elite player forgetting any party biases.
In "Standart News" Borislav Borislavov, Rector of the University of National and World economics, describes Georgieva as an excellent specialist; Stoyan Aleksandrov of the same university, who is former finance minister, says she is an "unshakable authority."
* * *
Political scientist Andrei Raichev observes in "Troud" that Borissov is Bulgaria's first prime minister who knows how to "go into reverse gear" and still have complete control of the power.
* * *
The press reports that Borissov has sent a letter to the EC President Barroso insisting that urgent measures be taken to end the blockade of the Bulgarian-Greek border that prevents the free movement of goods and people. Bulgarian economy will suffer a loss of at least 10 million euro as a result of the blockade on the Greek side of the border, "Standart News" notes.
* * *
Bulgaria wants 10 million euro in compensation for the border blockade, "Ataka" says.
* * *
"Douma" says tourism in Sandanski, Bansko and the entire surrounding area has collapsed totally due to the blockade.
HOME SCENE
"Telegraf" runs an interview with Health Minister Bozhidar Nanev who says that his Ministry plans the opening of 100 emergency rooms. A doctor on 12-hour emergency duty will be paid between 60 and 100 leva (about 30-50 euro).
* * *
"The State Agency for National Security (SANS) is examining my papers to find out if my visit to the US in November 2009 involved a conflict of interest. Should they find there is something irregular about it, I am prepared to resign," "24 Chassa" quotes Health Minister Nanev as saying on Kanal 3 TV. Talking to "24 Chassa," however, Nanev said he had in mind taking on responsibility and not resigning. In November the US-based company Osteotech, Inc. paid the flight fare and hotel accommodation of a group of Bulgarians invited to the US by the Euro-Atlantic Fund (EAF) and the Americans of Bulgarian Descent Federation. The delegation included Nanev, Transplants Executive Agency Director Teodora Djaleva and EAF member Roumen Hichev. Hichev is vice president of Osteotech's daughter company Osteocenter Bulgaria, which exports tissue from corpse donors and imports allografts for the US-based company.
* * *
A new approach to the reform of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences envisages to merge its institutes with universities concerned with similar scientific fields, Education and Science Minister Sergei Ignatov says in "Monitor." The first step to the merger would be the conclusion of framework agreements.
Some 15,000 permanent jobs in tourism have been lost in a year, "Douma" quotes Bulgarian Tourist Chamber Chairman Tsvetan Tonchev as saying. In 2008, nearly 110,000 people were permanently employed in the tourism industry. During the same period, the seasonal workers decreased by 30,000 from nearly 180,000 before.Branch organization surveys show that the volume of work in tourism has not decreased, but prices are falling, "Douma" observes.
* * *
The retirement age in Bulgaria will become 65 years for both men and women but people would have a chance to retire earlier - at 60 for women and at 63 for men, former deputy prime minister and social minister Lidia Shouleva, currently a member of the Consultative Council on Pension Reform, says in "24 Chassa." However, those who retire earlier will get smaller pensions.
* * *
"Pari" quotes Plamen Bonev, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Radomir Metal Industries, as saying that Bulgaria's industry has been ruined by the thefts of energy monopolists who, with the consent of politicians, poured money into the Treasury, as well as in party funds.The newspaper carries an interview with Manuel Rivera, President of the Bulgarian-Catalonian Chamber of Commerce, who says that small businesses in Spain are looking for Bulgarian partners.
* * *
In a small country such as Bulgaria it is possible to limit the influence of organized crime because, except for the biggest cities, which are three or four, in all towns the locals know who belong to the underworld and what they do, "Tihomir Bezlov of the Centre for the Study of Democracy writes in "24 Chassa." In his words, it will take time to see a new generation uninvolved in the criminal redistribution of national wealth. This is the optimistic scenario, he notes. According to the pessimistic one, Bulgaria may remain in the periphery of the EU ridden by organized crime just like Southern Europe. Quoting Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov, Bezlov writes that "250-300
emblematic figures of the criminal world are harassing this country" and observes that there is a 70,000 strong army of policemen, prosecutors, investigators and SANS agents to counter them. He says further on that 14 years ago the then interior minister, Lyubomir Nachev, put the number of "bandits" at 2,315; in 2001 General Vassil Vassilev, who then headed the National Police Service Directorate, said they were 2,787; and ex-interior minister Roumen Petkov (2005-2008), put them at several hundred. Bezlov says that now an attempt is made to make an assessment of the really active and risky criminal structures.
Links to some Bulgarian info websites in English:
http://www.bta.bg/site/en/indexe.shtml
http://www.novinite.com/index.php
http://www.focus-fen.net/
Most discussed topics of the day – Sofia, January 20, 2010
· Boyko Borisov’s government will have two new ministers. Bulgaria’s current Defense Minister, Nikolay Mladenov, is going to become the new Bulgarian Foreign Minister replacing Rumiana Jeleva, and his deputy Anyu Angelov takes over the post of Defense minister. The reshuffle of the cabinet of Prime Minister Boyko Borisov has to be confirmed by the Parliament before it takes effect.
· The Vice President of the World Bank, Kristalina Georgieva, has been approved by the Bulgarian government to be Bulgaria’s new EU Commissioner-Designate.
· At 11:00 a.m. Greek farmers again blocked Ilinden-Exohi checkpoint for all vehicles. Kulata checkpoint is closed for a second day due to the blockade at Promahonas checkpoint. 192 vehicles are waiting on the Bulgarian side of the checkpoint, with 185 of them being TIR trucks.
Sofia, January 20
BULGARIA – EU
Most newspapers lead with the news that the new Bulgarian candidate for European commissioner is Kristalina Georgieva, currently Vice-President of the World Bank. Prime Minister Boyko Borissov has informed European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso about his intention to suggest Georgieva as member of the EC. Commenting on Rumiana Jeleva's withdrawal as Commissioner-designate, Barroso said he "fully respected" her "personal decision."
* * *
Although Borissov did not accept Jeleva's resignation as foreign minister, too, "Troud" writes there are speculations about her possible successor. The candidates include Deputy Foreign Minister Marin Raikov; the Bulgarian ambassador to the European Union in Brussels, Boyko Kotsev; the former ambassador to the United Nations, Stefan Tafrov; the new deputy foreign minister, Konstantin Dimitrov (affiliated to the Democrats for Strong Bulgaria).
* * *
According to "Sega," by staying in the cabinet Jeleva is in breach of the principles of at least two statutory acts - on administration and on the prevention of conflict of interest, because she has not ended her participation in the management of the company ETKO Schneiders.
* * *
"A strong candidature in Jeleva's place," "Novinar" says in a subtitle on the topic. "Klassa" quotes Georgieva as saying: "It is difficult, but we will manage it." "Klassa" publishes Georgieva's profile under the headline "All Is Work."
* * *
Commenting on the EC portfolio she would get, Georgieva says, as quoted in "Troud," that it has themes in it that are close to what she is in charge of at the World Bank. In her words, her experience at the mega-bank will help for her successful presentation at the hearing in the European Parliament.
* * *
"Standart News" discusses Georgieva's nomination under the headline "European Commissioner from America."
* * *
"24 Chassa" observes that Borissov has suggested his "strongest possible player." Georgieva has huge experience on the world scene, she knows the hot spots in the world, has been in very dangerous situations and knows how to react to particular problems, the daily says. Her experience at the World Bank is just another advantage. Brussels can now be relieved that Bulgaria is going to name an elite player forgetting any party biases.
In "Standart News" Borislav Borislavov, Rector of the University of National and World economics, describes Georgieva as an excellent specialist; Stoyan Aleksandrov of the same university, who is former finance minister, says she is an "unshakable authority."
* * *
Political scientist Andrei Raichev observes in "Troud" that Borissov is Bulgaria's first prime minister who knows how to "go into reverse gear" and still have complete control of the power.
* * *
The press reports that Borissov has sent a letter to the EC President Barroso insisting that urgent measures be taken to end the blockade of the Bulgarian-Greek border that prevents the free movement of goods and people. Bulgarian economy will suffer a loss of at least 10 million euro as a result of the blockade on the Greek side of the border, "Standart News" notes.
* * *
Bulgaria wants 10 million euro in compensation for the border blockade, "Ataka" says.
* * *
"Douma" says tourism in Sandanski, Bansko and the entire surrounding area has collapsed totally due to the blockade.
HOME SCENE
"Telegraf" runs an interview with Health Minister Bozhidar Nanev who says that his Ministry plans the opening of 100 emergency rooms. A doctor on 12-hour emergency duty will be paid between 60 and 100 leva (about 30-50 euro).
* * *
"The State Agency for National Security (SANS) is examining my papers to find out if my visit to the US in November 2009 involved a conflict of interest. Should they find there is something irregular about it, I am prepared to resign," "24 Chassa" quotes Health Minister Nanev as saying on Kanal 3 TV. Talking to "24 Chassa," however, Nanev said he had in mind taking on responsibility and not resigning. In November the US-based company Osteotech, Inc. paid the flight fare and hotel accommodation of a group of Bulgarians invited to the US by the Euro-Atlantic Fund (EAF) and the Americans of Bulgarian Descent Federation. The delegation included Nanev, Transplants Executive Agency Director Teodora Djaleva and EAF member Roumen Hichev. Hichev is vice president of Osteotech's daughter company Osteocenter Bulgaria, which exports tissue from corpse donors and imports allografts for the US-based company.
* * *
A new approach to the reform of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences envisages to merge its institutes with universities concerned with similar scientific fields, Education and Science Minister Sergei Ignatov says in "Monitor." The first step to the merger would be the conclusion of framework agreements.
Some 15,000 permanent jobs in tourism have been lost in a year, "Douma" quotes Bulgarian Tourist Chamber Chairman Tsvetan Tonchev as saying. In 2008, nearly 110,000 people were permanently employed in the tourism industry. During the same period, the seasonal workers decreased by 30,000 from nearly 180,000 before.Branch organization surveys show that the volume of work in tourism has not decreased, but prices are falling, "Douma" observes.
* * *
The retirement age in Bulgaria will become 65 years for both men and women but people would have a chance to retire earlier - at 60 for women and at 63 for men, former deputy prime minister and social minister Lidia Shouleva, currently a member of the Consultative Council on Pension Reform, says in "24 Chassa." However, those who retire earlier will get smaller pensions.
* * *
"Pari" quotes Plamen Bonev, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Radomir Metal Industries, as saying that Bulgaria's industry has been ruined by the thefts of energy monopolists who, with the consent of politicians, poured money into the Treasury, as well as in party funds.The newspaper carries an interview with Manuel Rivera, President of the Bulgarian-Catalonian Chamber of Commerce, who says that small businesses in Spain are looking for Bulgarian partners.
* * *
In a small country such as Bulgaria it is possible to limit the influence of organized crime because, except for the biggest cities, which are three or four, in all towns the locals know who belong to the underworld and what they do, "Tihomir Bezlov of the Centre for the Study of Democracy writes in "24 Chassa." In his words, it will take time to see a new generation uninvolved in the criminal redistribution of national wealth. This is the optimistic scenario, he notes. According to the pessimistic one, Bulgaria may remain in the periphery of the EU ridden by organized crime just like Southern Europe. Quoting Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov, Bezlov writes that "250-300
emblematic figures of the criminal world are harassing this country" and observes that there is a 70,000 strong army of policemen, prosecutors, investigators and SANS agents to counter them. He says further on that 14 years ago the then interior minister, Lyubomir Nachev, put the number of "bandits" at 2,315; in 2001 General Vassil Vassilev, who then headed the National Police Service Directorate, said they were 2,787; and ex-interior minister Roumen Petkov (2005-2008), put them at several hundred. Bezlov says that now an attempt is made to make an assessment of the really active and risky criminal structures.
Links to some Bulgarian info websites in English:
http://www.bta.bg/site/en/indexe.shtml
http://www.novinite.com/index.php
http://www.focus-fen.net/
Most discussed topics of the day – Sofia, January 20, 2010
· Boyko Borisov’s government will have two new ministers. Bulgaria’s current Defense Minister, Nikolay Mladenov, is going to become the new Bulgarian Foreign Minister replacing Rumiana Jeleva, and his deputy Anyu Angelov takes over the post of Defense minister. The reshuffle of the cabinet of Prime Minister Boyko Borisov has to be confirmed by the Parliament before it takes effect.
· The Vice President of the World Bank, Kristalina Georgieva, has been approved by the Bulgarian government to be Bulgaria’s new EU Commissioner-Designate.
· At 11:00 a.m. Greek farmers again blocked Ilinden-Exohi checkpoint for all vehicles. Kulata checkpoint is closed for a second day due to the blockade at Promahonas checkpoint. 192 vehicles are waiting on the Bulgarian side of the checkpoint, with 185 of them being TIR trucks.
tirsdag den 19. januar 2010
Bulgarian press review, January 19, 2010
Press Review
Sofia, January 19(BTA)
THE HOME SCENE
"Troud" leads with the Monday meeting of Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and the leadership of the Interior Ministry, the prosecuting magistracy and the State Agency for National Security (SANS), on the efforts against organized crime groups in Bulgaria. The story quotes the Prime Minister as saying that there are 250-300 people who harass Bulgaria and 70,000 policemen, investigators, prosecutors and SANS agents are trying to crush them. It also highlights the words of Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov who said that no adequate action was taken against these 250-300 major crime figures in the past, and that this situation will change now. Prosecutor General Boris Velchev reportedly said that they get full cooperation from the Interior Ministry and SANS and have a strong will to do away with organized crime in Bulgaria.
***
"Troud" reports that MP Hristo Bisserov (Movement for Rights and Freedoms) has put forward amendments to the Electronic Communications Act whereby Internet and phone operators will charge the law-enforcing services a fee for the printouts with their clients' communications. The idea of introducing a fee cropped up during a public debate last week when mobile phone operators complained that no other European country has a deadline of 2 hours within which cell phone providers are required to produce a printout of a user's phone calls upon the law-enforcers' request. The minimum required time for this is between 3 and 5 workdays, they said.
***
"Sega" runs a commentary ("Unions to Burn Down in the Flames of the Riot") on the situation in the railway sector and says that last week's protest of railway workers was spontaneous and took by surprise the trade union headquarters. The author believes that civil society in Bulgaria is changing its structure and official trade unions are losing their meaning. "Authentic leaders stand out and self-organizing communities come into being. Official structures go gradually down." The author goes on to comment that this is a sad conclusion because workers need reliable protection and employers need experienced mediators in resolving labour disputes.
***
In a "Troud" interview, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS) President Nikola Subotinov says that the number of institutes with the Academy will be halved and the whole Academy will have a new structure. Decisions on whether to keep or lose institutes will be based on an international evaluation, the number of researchers capable of valuable research work, and the needs of society. The goal is to shed redundant administration, streamline the coordination procedures and improve the economic efficiency of research, the BAS President says.
***
A story in "Standard News" ("Phantoms in the Hospitals") says that hospitals facing closure are offering up to 3,000 leva under the table to medics to sign a contract with them only to secure the requisite number of medical specialists without actually using their services - or else get imminent closure and bankruptcy. The alarm for this new trick was sounded by the director of the municipal hospital in the Northern town of Byala Slatina.
In a "Monitor" interview, Dr Stoyan Alexandrov of the Health Ministry says that the restructuring of hospital services will help improve conditions for patients. He says that by January 20 it will be clear which hospitals will stay and which will be restructured - because they wonТt be shut down but will be transformed into facilities for follow-up treatment or hospices.
ECONOMY
Money invested in Bulgaria in 2009 totalled 2.6 billion euro, "Troud" writes quoting the head of InvestBulgaria Agency, Stoyan Stalev ("EUR2.6Bln Despite the Crisis"). Stalev used central bank premilinary figures. The like figure in 2008 was 6 billion euro. Bulgarians living and working abroad contributed over 2 billion leva last year, which is 38 per cent of the reported total investment. Indeed, last year's investment was smaller than before but even that was good, considering the circumstances, Stalev commented.
***
Another front-page story in this paper says that Bulgarians will have the freedom to choose when to retire instead of having to follow mandatory retirement age rules - if an idea which is being considered by an advisory board on pension reform is pushed through. The idea is to set an extended period of time (between the age of 60 and 65, or 63 and 65, for example) during which people can choose to retire or continue to work. It will make it easier for them to accept the change and will make them take the best decision about when to retire, the paper says quoting experts from the advisory board.
***
"Sega" reports estimates by the Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA) that one in five Bulgarians will be out of job in 2010 and that real unemeployment will go up to 19-20 per cent. This is much higher than the government's forecast of 13.7 per cent of unemployed people this year. BIA says that this level was reached in late 2009 when 530,000 - 540,000 people were jobless. The Employment Agency reported 9.13 per cent unemployment in December which means that 338,000 Bulgarians were out of job at the time.
BULGARIA - EU
Most papers have updates on the procedure for the approval of EU Commissioner-designate Rumiana Jeleva by the European Parliament. "Brussels Concludes than Jeleva Is Clean" is a headline in "Standard News" which cites an opinion by the EP Legal Service quoted by Deutsche Welle Monday evening. According to this paper, this opinion ended the dispute over the Bulgarian commissioner-designate.
***
"Troud" says that the battle is "to at least save Jeleva's honour". Joseph Daul of the European People's Party Monday against called upon those who had questioned Jeleva's integrity, to appologize to her. "Many saw in his persistence an attempt to save Jeleva's honour and that of the EPP, in case they are unable to push through her designation. Everybody but her own party is against the Bulgarian [candidate] and she seems to stand in the way of Barroso Commission 2 to getting the majority they need for their approval," writes the "Troud" correspondent in Brussels.
***
In "24 Chassa", Justice Minister Margarita Popova says one shouldnТt go as far as finding fault with the Bulgarian legislation in his wish to say how strongly he dislikes a particular EU Commissioner-designate. It was Popova's comment to criticism by Bulgarian lawyers against a legal opinion by her Ministry which said that Jeleva broke no law with her declarations of financial interests. The Justice Minister further said that it makes sense to consider revisions to the law on the election of Bulgarian representatives to the EU and introduce the same rules for MEPs as those that apply for MPs. "But until then the restriction in the parliamentary rules of procedure which does not allow MPs to participate in companies, does not apply to MEPs," popova says.
***
"Sega" reports that Bulgaria is no longer the poorest EU nation. Latvia has the largest proportion of its population (26 per cent) threatened by poverty. Next is Romania with 23 per cent and only then comes Bulgaria with 21 per cent, according to Eurostat. The Czech Republic and Slovakia have the fewest poor (9 per cent and 11 per cent, respectively).
FOREIGN POLICY
"Sega" says that Bulgaria "tried to lift the Greek blockade with quiet diplomacy" but didnТt succeed. This emerged Monday when some of the checkpoints on the Bulgarian-Greek border remained sealed by protesting Greek farmers. Bulgarian Foreign Ministry spokesman Dragovest Goranov says (on Bulgarian National Radio), "Our country has not received an official reply from the Greek authorities further to our expression of concern over the blocked border. We will first take the matter to the European Commission but at this stage we are trying to find other opportunities for a political agreement with the Greek government."
Links to some Bulgarian info websites in English:
http://www.bta.bg/site/en/indexe.shtml
http://www.novinite.com/index.php
http://www.focus-fen.net/
Most discussed topics of the day – Sofia, January 19, 2010
· Bulgarian commissioner-designate Rumiana Jeleva has withdrawn her candidature and has resigned as foreign minister after pressure for her removal mounted both on the European and home front. Prime Minister Borisov received a letter from Zheleva, in which she wants to withdraw her candidacy as EU Commission and as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria. Bulgarian Prime Minister has refused to accept the resignation of Rumiana Jeleva as foreign minister. Sofia plans to send Kristalina Georgieva, currently a vice-president of the World Bank, as its replacement candidate. Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso also "took note" of Jeleva's decision and welcomed the "swift reaction of the Bulgarian government to this situation."
· Bulgarian Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, has requested EUR 10 M from the European Union for the ongoing blockade of the Bulgaria-Greek border by Greek farmers. He have sent a letter to the President of the European Commission Jose Barroso, seizing the Commission over violation of Articles 30-36 of the Treaty Establishing the European Community and Regulation 2679/98. Regarding to this Prime Minister insist on the European Commission to undertake urgent measures. Borisov said categorically that he wanted the border to be unblocked and that Bulgaria should not be punished for problems inside another EU country.
Sofia, January 19(BTA)
THE HOME SCENE
"Troud" leads with the Monday meeting of Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and the leadership of the Interior Ministry, the prosecuting magistracy and the State Agency for National Security (SANS), on the efforts against organized crime groups in Bulgaria. The story quotes the Prime Minister as saying that there are 250-300 people who harass Bulgaria and 70,000 policemen, investigators, prosecutors and SANS agents are trying to crush them. It also highlights the words of Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov who said that no adequate action was taken against these 250-300 major crime figures in the past, and that this situation will change now. Prosecutor General Boris Velchev reportedly said that they get full cooperation from the Interior Ministry and SANS and have a strong will to do away with organized crime in Bulgaria.
***
"Troud" reports that MP Hristo Bisserov (Movement for Rights and Freedoms) has put forward amendments to the Electronic Communications Act whereby Internet and phone operators will charge the law-enforcing services a fee for the printouts with their clients' communications. The idea of introducing a fee cropped up during a public debate last week when mobile phone operators complained that no other European country has a deadline of 2 hours within which cell phone providers are required to produce a printout of a user's phone calls upon the law-enforcers' request. The minimum required time for this is between 3 and 5 workdays, they said.
***
"Sega" runs a commentary ("Unions to Burn Down in the Flames of the Riot") on the situation in the railway sector and says that last week's protest of railway workers was spontaneous and took by surprise the trade union headquarters. The author believes that civil society in Bulgaria is changing its structure and official trade unions are losing their meaning. "Authentic leaders stand out and self-organizing communities come into being. Official structures go gradually down." The author goes on to comment that this is a sad conclusion because workers need reliable protection and employers need experienced mediators in resolving labour disputes.
***
In a "Troud" interview, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS) President Nikola Subotinov says that the number of institutes with the Academy will be halved and the whole Academy will have a new structure. Decisions on whether to keep or lose institutes will be based on an international evaluation, the number of researchers capable of valuable research work, and the needs of society. The goal is to shed redundant administration, streamline the coordination procedures and improve the economic efficiency of research, the BAS President says.
***
A story in "Standard News" ("Phantoms in the Hospitals") says that hospitals facing closure are offering up to 3,000 leva under the table to medics to sign a contract with them only to secure the requisite number of medical specialists without actually using their services - or else get imminent closure and bankruptcy. The alarm for this new trick was sounded by the director of the municipal hospital in the Northern town of Byala Slatina.
In a "Monitor" interview, Dr Stoyan Alexandrov of the Health Ministry says that the restructuring of hospital services will help improve conditions for patients. He says that by January 20 it will be clear which hospitals will stay and which will be restructured - because they wonТt be shut down but will be transformed into facilities for follow-up treatment or hospices.
ECONOMY
Money invested in Bulgaria in 2009 totalled 2.6 billion euro, "Troud" writes quoting the head of InvestBulgaria Agency, Stoyan Stalev ("EUR2.6Bln Despite the Crisis"). Stalev used central bank premilinary figures. The like figure in 2008 was 6 billion euro. Bulgarians living and working abroad contributed over 2 billion leva last year, which is 38 per cent of the reported total investment. Indeed, last year's investment was smaller than before but even that was good, considering the circumstances, Stalev commented.
***
Another front-page story in this paper says that Bulgarians will have the freedom to choose when to retire instead of having to follow mandatory retirement age rules - if an idea which is being considered by an advisory board on pension reform is pushed through. The idea is to set an extended period of time (between the age of 60 and 65, or 63 and 65, for example) during which people can choose to retire or continue to work. It will make it easier for them to accept the change and will make them take the best decision about when to retire, the paper says quoting experts from the advisory board.
***
"Sega" reports estimates by the Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA) that one in five Bulgarians will be out of job in 2010 and that real unemeployment will go up to 19-20 per cent. This is much higher than the government's forecast of 13.7 per cent of unemployed people this year. BIA says that this level was reached in late 2009 when 530,000 - 540,000 people were jobless. The Employment Agency reported 9.13 per cent unemployment in December which means that 338,000 Bulgarians were out of job at the time.
BULGARIA - EU
Most papers have updates on the procedure for the approval of EU Commissioner-designate Rumiana Jeleva by the European Parliament. "Brussels Concludes than Jeleva Is Clean" is a headline in "Standard News" which cites an opinion by the EP Legal Service quoted by Deutsche Welle Monday evening. According to this paper, this opinion ended the dispute over the Bulgarian commissioner-designate.
***
"Troud" says that the battle is "to at least save Jeleva's honour". Joseph Daul of the European People's Party Monday against called upon those who had questioned Jeleva's integrity, to appologize to her. "Many saw in his persistence an attempt to save Jeleva's honour and that of the EPP, in case they are unable to push through her designation. Everybody but her own party is against the Bulgarian [candidate] and she seems to stand in the way of Barroso Commission 2 to getting the majority they need for their approval," writes the "Troud" correspondent in Brussels.
***
In "24 Chassa", Justice Minister Margarita Popova says one shouldnТt go as far as finding fault with the Bulgarian legislation in his wish to say how strongly he dislikes a particular EU Commissioner-designate. It was Popova's comment to criticism by Bulgarian lawyers against a legal opinion by her Ministry which said that Jeleva broke no law with her declarations of financial interests. The Justice Minister further said that it makes sense to consider revisions to the law on the election of Bulgarian representatives to the EU and introduce the same rules for MEPs as those that apply for MPs. "But until then the restriction in the parliamentary rules of procedure which does not allow MPs to participate in companies, does not apply to MEPs," popova says.
***
"Sega" reports that Bulgaria is no longer the poorest EU nation. Latvia has the largest proportion of its population (26 per cent) threatened by poverty. Next is Romania with 23 per cent and only then comes Bulgaria with 21 per cent, according to Eurostat. The Czech Republic and Slovakia have the fewest poor (9 per cent and 11 per cent, respectively).
FOREIGN POLICY
"Sega" says that Bulgaria "tried to lift the Greek blockade with quiet diplomacy" but didnТt succeed. This emerged Monday when some of the checkpoints on the Bulgarian-Greek border remained sealed by protesting Greek farmers. Bulgarian Foreign Ministry spokesman Dragovest Goranov says (on Bulgarian National Radio), "Our country has not received an official reply from the Greek authorities further to our expression of concern over the blocked border. We will first take the matter to the European Commission but at this stage we are trying to find other opportunities for a political agreement with the Greek government."
Links to some Bulgarian info websites in English:
http://www.bta.bg/site/en/indexe.shtml
http://www.novinite.com/index.php
http://www.focus-fen.net/
Most discussed topics of the day – Sofia, January 19, 2010
· Bulgarian commissioner-designate Rumiana Jeleva has withdrawn her candidature and has resigned as foreign minister after pressure for her removal mounted both on the European and home front. Prime Minister Borisov received a letter from Zheleva, in which she wants to withdraw her candidacy as EU Commission and as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria. Bulgarian Prime Minister has refused to accept the resignation of Rumiana Jeleva as foreign minister. Sofia plans to send Kristalina Georgieva, currently a vice-president of the World Bank, as its replacement candidate. Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso also "took note" of Jeleva's decision and welcomed the "swift reaction of the Bulgarian government to this situation."
· Bulgarian Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, has requested EUR 10 M from the European Union for the ongoing blockade of the Bulgaria-Greek border by Greek farmers. He have sent a letter to the President of the European Commission Jose Barroso, seizing the Commission over violation of Articles 30-36 of the Treaty Establishing the European Community and Regulation 2679/98. Regarding to this Prime Minister insist on the European Commission to undertake urgent measures. Borisov said categorically that he wanted the border to be unblocked and that Bulgaria should not be punished for problems inside another EU country.
mandag den 18. januar 2010
Bulgarian press review, January 18, 2010
Press Review
Sofia, January 18(BTA)
FOREIGN POLICY
The opinion of the legal department of the European Parliament, to be made public officially today, will refute allegations that Bulgarian Commissioner-designate Rumiana Jeleva was involved in a conflict of interest while being an MEP in Strasbourg, Andrei Kovachev MEP of GERB told "Monitor."
* * *
The item which "Troud" devotes to the Bulgarian commisisoner-designate is headlined "Last Battle for Jeleva." Bulgaria has been maligned in Brussels by political stooges, political scientist Ognyan Minchev writes in "Troud." "If Jeleva lied, even unknowingly, that she is not involved in a conflict of interest between her status as MEP and her past as a business woman, her candidature should have been withdrawn immediately. This should have been done timely, with dignity and by respecting the rules that apply to all. Not through malicious reports made by Bulgarian MEPs who owe their career to notorious gangsters and who managed to make it to the European Parliament because they bought votes. And not through Positano's intrigues and lobbying." [The headquarters of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) is in Positano Street, Sofia.]. In Minchev's view, if the political enemies of Irina Bokova and Meglena Kouneva had thrown "even one-tenth of the mud which the Social Liberal coalition used to besmear Jeleva's public image," their success in UNESCO and the European Commission would have been "problematic and scandalously disgracing." "Bulgaria has no other chance for success but by mobilizing its most competent and dignified citizens to represent it."
* * *
The BSP attacks on Jeleva are political revanchism, sociologist Antonii Gulubov notes in "Monitor." In his opinion, the change of the government has removed the umbrella covering organized crime. Svetoslav Terziev writes in "Sega" that Europe does not like Prime Minister Boyko Borissov any more. "Being focused on the Rumiana Jeleva show, we failed to notice that Brussels deprived us of 2,000 million euro," the subtitle of the item reads.
* * *
The European Commission has approved the allocation of 116 million leva in state aid to Bulgarian tobacco growers in 2010, the press reports quoting Agriculture Minister Miroslav Naydenov. A letter was received from Director-General Jean-Luc Demarty, who heads the European Commission's Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, which says that Bulgaria's arguments that the aid for tobacco producers is part of an already existing and approved scheme, included in Bulgaria's Europe Agreement, were accepted.
* * *
"Agca Released, We Should Sue Him for Libel," Georgi Milkov suggests in "24 Chassa." The slanderous allegations made by Ali Agca, a proven terrorist and killer, caused harm to innocent Bulgarians and their families, to the entire Bulgarian state, he says. "Some may say there is no legal ground for his trial. Or that quite a long time has passed since then. But I think a claim cannot become void by prescription when the question is about justice and retribution."
HOME SCENE
"Instead of a moratorium, we could introduce sticter requirements for projects involving renewable energy sources," Environment Minister Nona Karadjova says in an interview given to "Dnevnik."
* * *
"We have collected 228 million leva more than we did in 2009 and over 600 million leva more than expected," National Revenue Agency Executive Director Krassimir Stefanov says in an interview for "Troud." "I expect the public to help us remove corrupted employees from the system; members of the public may call telephone number 070018700 for alerts," he says. The interview is headlined "Football Players' Pay Comes to Light."
* * *
"Why should I step down, given that the BSP and its partners achieved Bulgaria's accession to the EU," Socialist leader and ex-prime minister Sergei Stanishev asks in an interview given to "24 Chassa." He describes the four-year term of his cabinet as the most successful time for Bulgarian economy during the transition when the highest rise in living standards was achieved. Stanishev says that the BSP should be made a leading political force by the local and presidential elections to be held in 2011. Commenting on the incumbent government, he says that Prime Minister Boyko Borissov seems willing to introduce an authoritarian rule and that a feeling of non-freedom is emerging again, starting with the media and ending with the serious pressure put on the business.
* * *
"Douma" and "Zemya" quote Stanishev as saying that the executive government owes huge amounts of money to various municipalities for infrastructure projects and that the money is withheld on purpose so that Finance Minister Simeon Djankov could report Bulgaria has the smallest budget deficit.
* * *
Transport Minister Aleksandar Tsvetkov says in "24 Chassa" that new revisions to the Road Traffic Act will introduce ceiling prices taxi drivers could ask envisaging harsh fines for non-compliance. The minister, who sponsored the revisions, says that there are taxi drivers requesting unexplainably expensive fares; there are 300-350 such drivers in Sofia alone. The fare ceilings will be fixed by municipalities.
* * *
The National Union of Driving Instructors proposes that the legal driving age be set at 16 years for driving a motor car, "Troud" reports. This is the practice in the US and some EU countries, Union President Milena Todorova says. Young people would get a provisional driving licence entitling them to drive under the supervision of a full licence holder. It is also suggested to drop education requirements for driving licence applicants; now they are required to have at least primary education.
* * *
In 2009, there was a drop of 22 per cent year-on-year in the average amount of loans up to 36,260 euro (46,800 euro in 2008), shows the annual report of CreditCentre quoted by "Klassa." The reasons include sluggish economic activity in the first half of 2009, declining real estate prices and shrinkage of the portion of financing the banks were prepared to provide. Experts expect that in 2010 loans will increase by 20-25 per cent and that there will be a gradual downward trend in interest rates. A trial census of Bulgaria's population will be taken in the first two weeks of September 2010; the actual census will commence on March 1, 2011, National Statistical Institute Chairperson Mariana Kotseva says in "Telegraf." In 2011, a census of the population will be taken in 27 EU countries at one and the same time.
JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS
The Sofia City Court did not find evidence proving that Krassimir Marinov (aka The Big Marguin) was running a criminal drug operation, "Novinar" reports. Marinov was released by the court for a second time in the past few days. He was detained on charges of starting and running an organized crime group involved in drug distribution. Three days ago he was released for lack of evidence to substantiate another charge - ordering the assassination of journalist Boby Tsankov. "The Big Marguin: Prosecution Put on Big Trial," "Dnevnik" says in the subtitle of its item on the topic.
* * *
Little Tiger and Sniffer are the new helpers of smugglers bringing cigarettes from Macedonia to Bulgaria,"Standart News" writes. They are two customs officers clearing trucks that carried illegal cigarettes at the Gueshevo checkpoint (on the border with Macedonia), sources in the state security machine told the newspaper. Allegedly, there are seven big smugglers of cigarettes into Bulgaria.
* * *
"We have instituted over 100 pre-trial proceedings for misuse of European funds," Sofia CityDeputy Prosecutor Bozhidar Djambazov says in "Klassa." "We are keeping in mtough with OLAF and discuss various cases every week with them," he says.
* * *
Crime agents have found that some elite disco clubs in Sofia make moonshine alcohol, "Telegraf" says.
CULTURE AND EDUCATION
The public sees the modernization of schools as a key priority for improving secondary education, show the results of a national representative survey conducted by BBSS Gallup International which are published in "Klassa." According to 36 per cent of respondents, upgrading and extending school sports facilities is an important priority. One in five respondents said schools should be equipped with a sufficient number of computers and provided with access to the Internet.
* * *
"Political economics returns as a subject to the University of National and World Economics," Rector Borislav Borislavov says in "Standart News. Besides Marx, students will study John Keynes, too.
Links to some Bulgarian info websites in English:
· http://www.bta.bg/site/en/indexe.shtml
· http://www.novinite.com/index.php
· http://www.focus-fen.net/
Most discussed topics of the day – Sofia, January 18, 2010
· Protesting Greek farmers are set to block the Bulgarian border for ten days from today as they rally against unpaid subsidies and low prices for their production. There is no information how long the protests will continue. Bulgarian authorities will hold a meeting along Kulata-Promahonas border checkpoint with the strike committee of the Greek farmers to set a passing regime and to receive information about the duration of the blockage.
· Krassimir Marinov - "The Big Margin", was set free on January 17 2010 after the Sofia City Court released him on bail, rejecting the prosecution's third attempt to keep the alleged crime boss behind bars. This was the second time in four days that the court released Marinov on bail, after on January 14 the Sofia Court of Appeals found no evidence to support prosecutors' claims that Marinov and his brother Nikolai "The Little Margin" Marinov had plotted the murder of former radio host Bobbi Tsankov.
Sofia, January 18(BTA)
FOREIGN POLICY
The opinion of the legal department of the European Parliament, to be made public officially today, will refute allegations that Bulgarian Commissioner-designate Rumiana Jeleva was involved in a conflict of interest while being an MEP in Strasbourg, Andrei Kovachev MEP of GERB told "Monitor."
* * *
The item which "Troud" devotes to the Bulgarian commisisoner-designate is headlined "Last Battle for Jeleva." Bulgaria has been maligned in Brussels by political stooges, political scientist Ognyan Minchev writes in "Troud." "If Jeleva lied, even unknowingly, that she is not involved in a conflict of interest between her status as MEP and her past as a business woman, her candidature should have been withdrawn immediately. This should have been done timely, with dignity and by respecting the rules that apply to all. Not through malicious reports made by Bulgarian MEPs who owe their career to notorious gangsters and who managed to make it to the European Parliament because they bought votes. And not through Positano's intrigues and lobbying." [The headquarters of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) is in Positano Street, Sofia.]. In Minchev's view, if the political enemies of Irina Bokova and Meglena Kouneva had thrown "even one-tenth of the mud which the Social Liberal coalition used to besmear Jeleva's public image," their success in UNESCO and the European Commission would have been "problematic and scandalously disgracing." "Bulgaria has no other chance for success but by mobilizing its most competent and dignified citizens to represent it."
* * *
The BSP attacks on Jeleva are political revanchism, sociologist Antonii Gulubov notes in "Monitor." In his opinion, the change of the government has removed the umbrella covering organized crime. Svetoslav Terziev writes in "Sega" that Europe does not like Prime Minister Boyko Borissov any more. "Being focused on the Rumiana Jeleva show, we failed to notice that Brussels deprived us of 2,000 million euro," the subtitle of the item reads.
* * *
The European Commission has approved the allocation of 116 million leva in state aid to Bulgarian tobacco growers in 2010, the press reports quoting Agriculture Minister Miroslav Naydenov. A letter was received from Director-General Jean-Luc Demarty, who heads the European Commission's Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, which says that Bulgaria's arguments that the aid for tobacco producers is part of an already existing and approved scheme, included in Bulgaria's Europe Agreement, were accepted.
* * *
"Agca Released, We Should Sue Him for Libel," Georgi Milkov suggests in "24 Chassa." The slanderous allegations made by Ali Agca, a proven terrorist and killer, caused harm to innocent Bulgarians and their families, to the entire Bulgarian state, he says. "Some may say there is no legal ground for his trial. Or that quite a long time has passed since then. But I think a claim cannot become void by prescription when the question is about justice and retribution."
HOME SCENE
"Instead of a moratorium, we could introduce sticter requirements for projects involving renewable energy sources," Environment Minister Nona Karadjova says in an interview given to "Dnevnik."
* * *
"We have collected 228 million leva more than we did in 2009 and over 600 million leva more than expected," National Revenue Agency Executive Director Krassimir Stefanov says in an interview for "Troud." "I expect the public to help us remove corrupted employees from the system; members of the public may call telephone number 070018700 for alerts," he says. The interview is headlined "Football Players' Pay Comes to Light."
* * *
"Why should I step down, given that the BSP and its partners achieved Bulgaria's accession to the EU," Socialist leader and ex-prime minister Sergei Stanishev asks in an interview given to "24 Chassa." He describes the four-year term of his cabinet as the most successful time for Bulgarian economy during the transition when the highest rise in living standards was achieved. Stanishev says that the BSP should be made a leading political force by the local and presidential elections to be held in 2011. Commenting on the incumbent government, he says that Prime Minister Boyko Borissov seems willing to introduce an authoritarian rule and that a feeling of non-freedom is emerging again, starting with the media and ending with the serious pressure put on the business.
* * *
"Douma" and "Zemya" quote Stanishev as saying that the executive government owes huge amounts of money to various municipalities for infrastructure projects and that the money is withheld on purpose so that Finance Minister Simeon Djankov could report Bulgaria has the smallest budget deficit.
* * *
Transport Minister Aleksandar Tsvetkov says in "24 Chassa" that new revisions to the Road Traffic Act will introduce ceiling prices taxi drivers could ask envisaging harsh fines for non-compliance. The minister, who sponsored the revisions, says that there are taxi drivers requesting unexplainably expensive fares; there are 300-350 such drivers in Sofia alone. The fare ceilings will be fixed by municipalities.
* * *
The National Union of Driving Instructors proposes that the legal driving age be set at 16 years for driving a motor car, "Troud" reports. This is the practice in the US and some EU countries, Union President Milena Todorova says. Young people would get a provisional driving licence entitling them to drive under the supervision of a full licence holder. It is also suggested to drop education requirements for driving licence applicants; now they are required to have at least primary education.
* * *
In 2009, there was a drop of 22 per cent year-on-year in the average amount of loans up to 36,260 euro (46,800 euro in 2008), shows the annual report of CreditCentre quoted by "Klassa." The reasons include sluggish economic activity in the first half of 2009, declining real estate prices and shrinkage of the portion of financing the banks were prepared to provide. Experts expect that in 2010 loans will increase by 20-25 per cent and that there will be a gradual downward trend in interest rates. A trial census of Bulgaria's population will be taken in the first two weeks of September 2010; the actual census will commence on March 1, 2011, National Statistical Institute Chairperson Mariana Kotseva says in "Telegraf." In 2011, a census of the population will be taken in 27 EU countries at one and the same time.
JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS
The Sofia City Court did not find evidence proving that Krassimir Marinov (aka The Big Marguin) was running a criminal drug operation, "Novinar" reports. Marinov was released by the court for a second time in the past few days. He was detained on charges of starting and running an organized crime group involved in drug distribution. Three days ago he was released for lack of evidence to substantiate another charge - ordering the assassination of journalist Boby Tsankov. "The Big Marguin: Prosecution Put on Big Trial," "Dnevnik" says in the subtitle of its item on the topic.
* * *
Little Tiger and Sniffer are the new helpers of smugglers bringing cigarettes from Macedonia to Bulgaria,"Standart News" writes. They are two customs officers clearing trucks that carried illegal cigarettes at the Gueshevo checkpoint (on the border with Macedonia), sources in the state security machine told the newspaper. Allegedly, there are seven big smugglers of cigarettes into Bulgaria.
* * *
"We have instituted over 100 pre-trial proceedings for misuse of European funds," Sofia CityDeputy Prosecutor Bozhidar Djambazov says in "Klassa." "We are keeping in mtough with OLAF and discuss various cases every week with them," he says.
* * *
Crime agents have found that some elite disco clubs in Sofia make moonshine alcohol, "Telegraf" says.
CULTURE AND EDUCATION
The public sees the modernization of schools as a key priority for improving secondary education, show the results of a national representative survey conducted by BBSS Gallup International which are published in "Klassa." According to 36 per cent of respondents, upgrading and extending school sports facilities is an important priority. One in five respondents said schools should be equipped with a sufficient number of computers and provided with access to the Internet.
* * *
"Political economics returns as a subject to the University of National and World Economics," Rector Borislav Borislavov says in "Standart News. Besides Marx, students will study John Keynes, too.
Links to some Bulgarian info websites in English:
· http://www.bta.bg/site/en/indexe.shtml
· http://www.novinite.com/index.php
· http://www.focus-fen.net/
Most discussed topics of the day – Sofia, January 18, 2010
· Protesting Greek farmers are set to block the Bulgarian border for ten days from today as they rally against unpaid subsidies and low prices for their production. There is no information how long the protests will continue. Bulgarian authorities will hold a meeting along Kulata-Promahonas border checkpoint with the strike committee of the Greek farmers to set a passing regime and to receive information about the duration of the blockage.
· Krassimir Marinov - "The Big Margin", was set free on January 17 2010 after the Sofia City Court released him on bail, rejecting the prosecution's third attempt to keep the alleged crime boss behind bars. This was the second time in four days that the court released Marinov on bail, after on January 14 the Sofia Court of Appeals found no evidence to support prosecutors' claims that Marinov and his brother Nikolai "The Little Margin" Marinov had plotted the murder of former radio host Bobbi Tsankov.
fredag den 15. januar 2010
Bulgarian press review, January 15, 2010
Press Review
Sofia, January 15 (BTA)
BULGARIA-EU
The developments involving Bulgaria's candidate for European Commissioner Rumiana Jeleva continue to be one of the most commented news items in the newspapers. "Troud" quotes Prime Minister Boyko Borissov that if Jeleva did something wrong in her application documents and hearing, he will withdraw her candidacy. Borissov is also quoted as saying that many other candidate commissioners did not make a good presentation in Brussels on account of "the tension they were put under". Borissov argued that already before the hearing in the European Parliament Jeleva has been made the target of attacks which tried to confuse and unsettle her. The Prime Minister said also that he will wait until Monday to hear the opinions of the legal experts about whether there is conflict of interest in Jeleva's candidacy and will decide what to do only then. He once again stressed that he had talked with important people in Brussels and that for the time being, the European People's Party firmly supports Jeleva.
* * *
"24 Chassa" highlights the reactions against Jeleva of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament and their insistence before European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso to replace her. The newspaper says that a common front has been formed of Socialists and Liberals against Jeleva.
* * *
In a comment capped, "Bulgaria Should Snap at Brussels," "24 Chassa" says that it is true that Borissov could have found a more appropriate candidate as it would have been a bit too much for Jeleva to become a member of the European Parliament, Bulgarian Foreign Minister and European Commissioner in just a year. It is also true that Jeleva did not make a good performance at the hearing and started a pathetic dispute with Antonia Purvanova, another Bulgarian MEP. However, despite all shortcomings, Borissov should not give in as the question for Jeleva's approval as European Commissioner is a matter of national sovereignty; she has been selected by the lawfully elected Government of Bulgaria, says the author of the comment.
* * *
"Monitor" quotes Deputy Foreign Minister Marin Raikov as saying that information about a planned attack against Jeleva's candidacy had been known back in November 2009. Raikov said that the plot against her is a revenge of the political forces in Bulgaria who lost the democratic race at the July general elections and are now looking for retribution in the European Parliament.
* * *
Bulgarian MEP Dimiter Stoyanov tells "Telegraph" that the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) and the National Movement for Surge and Stability (NMSS) are revenging for outgoing Bulgarian European Commissioner Meglena Kuneva, whom the two formations had tried to put forward for a second term in the European Commission. The proposal was flatly rejected by Borissov, which, according to Stoyanov, prompted the revenge of BSP and NMSS. The overall effect was anti-Bulgarian, says he, adding that the biggest thing that can "kill" one's image is not whether the person is a professional or not but the fact that his or her own fellow countrymen take part in a campaign against him/her.
"Dnevnik" runs an interview with David Rennie, EU correspondent of "The Economist", who says that Jeleva's hearing was a court of that Bulgaria which Brussels does not like. Rennie says that if Borissov refuses to withdraw her candidacy, it will be difficult for Barroso to say he does not want her. According to Rennie, the aim of the Liberals and the Greens in the European Parliament was to "unclog" the battle between the European People's Party and the socialist, and not to wage an attack against Jeleva.
* * *
"Troud" argues that at least five scenarios are now possible about Jeleva's candidacy. The first is for her to "survive". This could only happen with a political deal between the European People's Party, the biggest in the European Parliament, and the other groups. The second option is for Jeleva to have a different portfolio, which, according to knowledgeable sources is only possible in theory. The third scenario is for her to decide to resign on her own free will. The fourth option is for Borissov to come up with another candidate. The fifth, and most painful, scenario according to "Troud" is for the committees who heard Jeleva to give a negative mark which will be sent to the President of the European Parliament and the floor leaders who will then start "bargaining". Another possible scenario, according to the daily, is for Borissov to withdraw immediately Jeleva's candidacy or to wait until Monday to see if she "passes". If she does not, the Prime Minister will have to think about both a new foreign minister and a new candidate.
THE HOME SCENE
"It is not fair to explain everything with the MRF [Movement for Rights and Freedoms]," former Prime Minister Filip Dimitrov says in an interview to "Troud" daily. He regards claims that the MRF is the worst and most corrupted party as unsubstantiated. Dimitrov says further that assigning such an important role to a party would turn it into a target for attacks, to the detriment of those Muslims and Turks who are not members of the MRF. According to Dimitrov it is inappropriate and short-sighted to flash any kind of veto against Turkey. Filipov claims that an end should be put to anti-Turkish rhetoric, used by most parties to attract votes at the last elections.
* * *
"Sega" says in a headline that citizens' protests "sobered up" the incumbents in their plans for planned revisions of the Electronic Communications Act, which provide for direct access of the Interior Ministry to Bulgarian citizens' Internet and mobile phone communications. The protest rally was held under the slogan "Bulgaria Is Not Big Brother, 2010 Is Not 1984".
* * *
After a public discussion, it emerged that GERB will make new concessions before the second reading debate of the proposed amendments. According to the latest drafts, Internet and mobile phone operators have to retain for one year traffic data and submit such data to the Interior Ministry within two hours after being requested.
* * *
"Troud" frontpages the news that 150 of over 350 hospital across Bulgaria will be closed, quoting Bulgarian Medical Association Head Tsvetan Raichinov who dismisses previous reports that the number of closed hospitals will be 100 only. The reason behind this move are the new requirements imposed by the National Health Insurance Fund on hospitals, under which all medical institutions must provide round-the-clock emergency coverage.
In a comment "Sega" writes that all citizens who do not use their rights will be punished. Under a proposal by National Assembly Deputy Chair and head of the parliamentary Health Care Committee Luchezar Ivanov, all citizens who pay health insurance contributions are obliged to travel to the EU using their European Health Insurance Card which entitles them to free emergency help. The proposal transforms into an obligation a right laid down in the Health Insurance Act, thus creating a "legal absurdity". To pay or not to pay for medical treatment is a matter of choice, the author writes. What is more important is that stupidity, insanity and lobbyism are equally harmful and should remain outside the walls of Parliament, the author says.
* * *
In a headline "Troud" informs that the Sofia Appellate Court has released Krassimir Marinov, aka The Big Marguin, for lack of evidence proving that he has commissioned the murder of radio anchorman Boris "Bobby" Tsankov. Later on Thursday, however, Marinov was detained again, this time for heading a drug ring together with Stefan "Sako" Bonev.
ECONOMY
The contractor for Lot 2 of the Trakia Motorway will go through rigorous checks, Regional Development and Public Works Minister Rosen Plevneliev warns in an interview for "Sega" daily. Plevneliev explains that the requirements listed in the tender documentation are extremely hard to fulfil. The penalties which will be imposed in case of failure to meet them are substantial. According to Plevneliev, that is the reason why only 8 companies have submitted tender bids. All of them know the Bulgarian market well and are in the privileged position to assess risks and to take them, he says.
* * *
Interviewed by "24 Chassa," Chairman of the State Energy and Water Regulatory Commission Angel Semerdjiev says that he expects electricity prices to increase by up to 5 per cent in July but notes that there will be no sharp markups of gas, heating and water in the winter. Semerdjiev says the Commission is thinking of how to aid poor people for the high electricity prices, whether by cheaper rates or welfare benefits.
* * *
The annual inflation of 0.6 per cent for 2009, the lowest in the past ten years, is headline news in all Friday newspapers. The inflation for December 2009 was 0.5 per cent, month on month, and 0.6 per cent, year on year, the National Statistical Institute reported on Thursday.
Links to some Bulgarian info websites in English:
· http://www.bta.bg/site/en/indexe.shtml
· http://www.novinite.com/index.php
· http://www.focus-fen.net/
Most discussed topics of the day – Sofia, January 15, 2010
· Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov and his Greek counterpart Georgios Papandreou have officially unveiled the fourth border checkpoint between the two countries – Zlatograd-Thermes-Xanthi, FOCUS – Smolyan Radio reports.The event was attended also by Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov, Foreign Minister Rumyana Zheleva, Smolyan district governor, mayors, MPs and hundreds of citizens form both countries. The Greek prime minister walked nearly 100 meters on foot and his Bulgarian counterpart welcomed him on the border line. The two cut two ribbons – one with the Greek national flag and one with the Bulgarian flag.
· Bulgaria’s EU Commissioner-Designate Rumiana Jeleva has made no legal violation in reporting her financial situation, according to a document issued by the Bulgarian Justice Ministry. The EP has EC President Jose Manuel Barroso to make public his position by the end of the day on Friday as to whether Jeleva was involved in conflict of interests
Sofia, January 15 (BTA)
BULGARIA-EU
The developments involving Bulgaria's candidate for European Commissioner Rumiana Jeleva continue to be one of the most commented news items in the newspapers. "Troud" quotes Prime Minister Boyko Borissov that if Jeleva did something wrong in her application documents and hearing, he will withdraw her candidacy. Borissov is also quoted as saying that many other candidate commissioners did not make a good presentation in Brussels on account of "the tension they were put under". Borissov argued that already before the hearing in the European Parliament Jeleva has been made the target of attacks which tried to confuse and unsettle her. The Prime Minister said also that he will wait until Monday to hear the opinions of the legal experts about whether there is conflict of interest in Jeleva's candidacy and will decide what to do only then. He once again stressed that he had talked with important people in Brussels and that for the time being, the European People's Party firmly supports Jeleva.
* * *
"24 Chassa" highlights the reactions against Jeleva of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament and their insistence before European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso to replace her. The newspaper says that a common front has been formed of Socialists and Liberals against Jeleva.
* * *
In a comment capped, "Bulgaria Should Snap at Brussels," "24 Chassa" says that it is true that Borissov could have found a more appropriate candidate as it would have been a bit too much for Jeleva to become a member of the European Parliament, Bulgarian Foreign Minister and European Commissioner in just a year. It is also true that Jeleva did not make a good performance at the hearing and started a pathetic dispute with Antonia Purvanova, another Bulgarian MEP. However, despite all shortcomings, Borissov should not give in as the question for Jeleva's approval as European Commissioner is a matter of national sovereignty; she has been selected by the lawfully elected Government of Bulgaria, says the author of the comment.
* * *
"Monitor" quotes Deputy Foreign Minister Marin Raikov as saying that information about a planned attack against Jeleva's candidacy had been known back in November 2009. Raikov said that the plot against her is a revenge of the political forces in Bulgaria who lost the democratic race at the July general elections and are now looking for retribution in the European Parliament.
* * *
Bulgarian MEP Dimiter Stoyanov tells "Telegraph" that the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) and the National Movement for Surge and Stability (NMSS) are revenging for outgoing Bulgarian European Commissioner Meglena Kuneva, whom the two formations had tried to put forward for a second term in the European Commission. The proposal was flatly rejected by Borissov, which, according to Stoyanov, prompted the revenge of BSP and NMSS. The overall effect was anti-Bulgarian, says he, adding that the biggest thing that can "kill" one's image is not whether the person is a professional or not but the fact that his or her own fellow countrymen take part in a campaign against him/her.
"Dnevnik" runs an interview with David Rennie, EU correspondent of "The Economist", who says that Jeleva's hearing was a court of that Bulgaria which Brussels does not like. Rennie says that if Borissov refuses to withdraw her candidacy, it will be difficult for Barroso to say he does not want her. According to Rennie, the aim of the Liberals and the Greens in the European Parliament was to "unclog" the battle between the European People's Party and the socialist, and not to wage an attack against Jeleva.
* * *
"Troud" argues that at least five scenarios are now possible about Jeleva's candidacy. The first is for her to "survive". This could only happen with a political deal between the European People's Party, the biggest in the European Parliament, and the other groups. The second option is for Jeleva to have a different portfolio, which, according to knowledgeable sources is only possible in theory. The third scenario is for her to decide to resign on her own free will. The fourth option is for Borissov to come up with another candidate. The fifth, and most painful, scenario according to "Troud" is for the committees who heard Jeleva to give a negative mark which will be sent to the President of the European Parliament and the floor leaders who will then start "bargaining". Another possible scenario, according to the daily, is for Borissov to withdraw immediately Jeleva's candidacy or to wait until Monday to see if she "passes". If she does not, the Prime Minister will have to think about both a new foreign minister and a new candidate.
THE HOME SCENE
"It is not fair to explain everything with the MRF [Movement for Rights and Freedoms]," former Prime Minister Filip Dimitrov says in an interview to "Troud" daily. He regards claims that the MRF is the worst and most corrupted party as unsubstantiated. Dimitrov says further that assigning such an important role to a party would turn it into a target for attacks, to the detriment of those Muslims and Turks who are not members of the MRF. According to Dimitrov it is inappropriate and short-sighted to flash any kind of veto against Turkey. Filipov claims that an end should be put to anti-Turkish rhetoric, used by most parties to attract votes at the last elections.
* * *
"Sega" says in a headline that citizens' protests "sobered up" the incumbents in their plans for planned revisions of the Electronic Communications Act, which provide for direct access of the Interior Ministry to Bulgarian citizens' Internet and mobile phone communications. The protest rally was held under the slogan "Bulgaria Is Not Big Brother, 2010 Is Not 1984".
* * *
After a public discussion, it emerged that GERB will make new concessions before the second reading debate of the proposed amendments. According to the latest drafts, Internet and mobile phone operators have to retain for one year traffic data and submit such data to the Interior Ministry within two hours after being requested.
* * *
"Troud" frontpages the news that 150 of over 350 hospital across Bulgaria will be closed, quoting Bulgarian Medical Association Head Tsvetan Raichinov who dismisses previous reports that the number of closed hospitals will be 100 only. The reason behind this move are the new requirements imposed by the National Health Insurance Fund on hospitals, under which all medical institutions must provide round-the-clock emergency coverage.
In a comment "Sega" writes that all citizens who do not use their rights will be punished. Under a proposal by National Assembly Deputy Chair and head of the parliamentary Health Care Committee Luchezar Ivanov, all citizens who pay health insurance contributions are obliged to travel to the EU using their European Health Insurance Card which entitles them to free emergency help. The proposal transforms into an obligation a right laid down in the Health Insurance Act, thus creating a "legal absurdity". To pay or not to pay for medical treatment is a matter of choice, the author writes. What is more important is that stupidity, insanity and lobbyism are equally harmful and should remain outside the walls of Parliament, the author says.
* * *
In a headline "Troud" informs that the Sofia Appellate Court has released Krassimir Marinov, aka The Big Marguin, for lack of evidence proving that he has commissioned the murder of radio anchorman Boris "Bobby" Tsankov. Later on Thursday, however, Marinov was detained again, this time for heading a drug ring together with Stefan "Sako" Bonev.
ECONOMY
The contractor for Lot 2 of the Trakia Motorway will go through rigorous checks, Regional Development and Public Works Minister Rosen Plevneliev warns in an interview for "Sega" daily. Plevneliev explains that the requirements listed in the tender documentation are extremely hard to fulfil. The penalties which will be imposed in case of failure to meet them are substantial. According to Plevneliev, that is the reason why only 8 companies have submitted tender bids. All of them know the Bulgarian market well and are in the privileged position to assess risks and to take them, he says.
* * *
Interviewed by "24 Chassa," Chairman of the State Energy and Water Regulatory Commission Angel Semerdjiev says that he expects electricity prices to increase by up to 5 per cent in July but notes that there will be no sharp markups of gas, heating and water in the winter. Semerdjiev says the Commission is thinking of how to aid poor people for the high electricity prices, whether by cheaper rates or welfare benefits.
* * *
The annual inflation of 0.6 per cent for 2009, the lowest in the past ten years, is headline news in all Friday newspapers. The inflation for December 2009 was 0.5 per cent, month on month, and 0.6 per cent, year on year, the National Statistical Institute reported on Thursday.
Links to some Bulgarian info websites in English:
· http://www.bta.bg/site/en/indexe.shtml
· http://www.novinite.com/index.php
· http://www.focus-fen.net/
Most discussed topics of the day – Sofia, January 15, 2010
· Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov and his Greek counterpart Georgios Papandreou have officially unveiled the fourth border checkpoint between the two countries – Zlatograd-Thermes-Xanthi, FOCUS – Smolyan Radio reports.The event was attended also by Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov, Foreign Minister Rumyana Zheleva, Smolyan district governor, mayors, MPs and hundreds of citizens form both countries. The Greek prime minister walked nearly 100 meters on foot and his Bulgarian counterpart welcomed him on the border line. The two cut two ribbons – one with the Greek national flag and one with the Bulgarian flag.
· Bulgaria’s EU Commissioner-Designate Rumiana Jeleva has made no legal violation in reporting her financial situation, according to a document issued by the Bulgarian Justice Ministry. The EP has EC President Jose Manuel Barroso to make public his position by the end of the day on Friday as to whether Jeleva was involved in conflict of interests
torsdag den 14. januar 2010
Bulgarian press review, January 14, 2010
Press Review
Sofia, January 14 (BTA)
FOREIGN POLICY
A political deal will decide Rumiana Jeleva's fate, "Dnevnik" writes. Her fiasco at the confirmation hearing at the European Parliament on Tuesday is about to trigger a crisis in the approval of the entire European Commission, which is voted en bloc, the daily says. That is why there was talk in Brussels all day Wednesday of shuttles between the two largest groups - the European People's Party (EPP) and the Party of European Socialists - in an effort to find a solution.
***
"Telegraph" says Jeleva's fate is in Barroso's hands.
***
"Zemya" runs a story headlined "3 Million Victims of Haiti Quake; 8 Million Disgraced by Jeleva Scandal". The daily compares the Commissioner-designate's performance at her confirmation hearing at the European Parliament on Tuesday to that of a bottom-of-the-class student.
***
"Ataka" offers a different take on the situation: "Jeleva Attacked with Discrediting Material about Corporate Interests; Yotova [from the Socialist Party] and Purvanova [from the National Movement for Surge and Stability] Tried to Discredit Bulgarian Commissioner-Designate".
***
"Sega" writes that Jeleva was an MEP in breach of the law for two years, and claims that the Bulgarian government has been under strong pressure from Brussels to come up with a different candidate for the post.
***
Prime Minister Boyko Borissov has a back-up candidate for EU Commissioner in case Foreign Minister Rumiana Jeleva fails to win approval, "Troud" and "24 Chassa" write. Still, Borissov believes things will not come to this and the final decision will be in Jeleva's favour. "I talked last [Tuesday] night until very late with people from the EPP who believe she did well. They said that given the trap she was forced into, she did her best," Borissov told "Troud". Asked if he made a mistake by nominating her, the prime minister says in "Troud": "I don't think so." "Let's commend the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) on its subversive activity, it has always been good at it, as in bombing churches, opening forced labour camps," he also says, implying that he considers the Socialists the main culprits for the scandal during Jeleva's hearing in the European Parliament. However, "Troud" says there are serious discrepancies in the statements of her financial interests.
***
"24 Chassa" speculates that the possible candidates for a Commissioner's portfolio are Defence Minister Nickolay Mladenov, Yuliana Nikolova, Secretary of the Council on EU Funds Management, and Andrei Kovachev, leader of the Bulgarian delegation to the EPP group in the European Parliament.
***
An opinion piece in "Douma" says Jeleva's failure at the hearing was not caused by a plot but was a sad consequence of Boyko Borissov's smugness. The writer adds that as it often happens in Bulgaria, people in power do not want to see the truth.
***
"24 Chassa" says there was a plot, unlike at the election of Irina Bokova as UNESCO Secretary General. No right-wing group plotted against Bokova, while now the Communists and the Liberals conspired against Jeleva. The gist of the issue is that Jeleva concealed significant circumstances: that she was discharged of responsibility for the company in question in March 2009, while she claims that this happened in 2007, says political analyst Evgenii Dainov.
***
Antonia Purvanova MEP (National Movement for Surge and Stability) says in "Troud" Jeleva's nomination is a major failure for Borissov. Purvanova says in "24 Chassa" that it was not she that opened the eyes of the foreign media - Jeleva's problem is in her own documents.
***
In "24 Chassa", Jeleva's husband Krassimir Jelev says: "How am I to take the headline 'A Gangster Bride for the EC?' [a reference to a story in the German newspaper Die Welt]. What piques me most is the question mark. I am asking this as a lawyer. Is the question mark intended as a safeguard against possible legal action against the journalists? I am in consultation with several German law firms about taking legal action and I want to know if I stand a chance to win."
***
Bulgaria has until the end of January to submit a report on the steps it has taken to ensure regularity and effectiveness of the investment projects financed under Operational Programme Environment, or else the European Commission will stop the overall financing, Dirk Ahner, Director General of the Commission's DG Regional Policy, said in a letter to Finance Minister Simeon Djankov of January 8, "Klassa" reports. The letter which analyses the absorption of EU funds was sent to 11 more senior officials at ministries and departments. The problems will be discussed at the meeting of the Monitoring Committee of the National Reference Strategic Framework in Sofia on Thursday and Friday. Ahner said DG Regional Policy had already expressed concern about the quality of many of the 29 investment projects for the environment and 157 projects for technical support for the environment.
***
"I want every German to feel he or she is among friends," Mariana Cholakova, the new German honorary consul, says in "24 Chassa".
HOME SCENE
"If the steps we have taken start working, I hope unemployment will not top 11.4 per cent," Labour and Social Policy Minister Totyu Mladenov says in "Troud".
"Troud" writes that the Europeanization of Bulgarian prisons will cost at least 90 million euro. A new prison in Sofia will cost at least 100 million euro, and a new prison in Varna will cost nearly as much, says Peter Vassilev, head of the Directorate General of Implementation of Penal Sanctions. Bulgaria must improve prison conditions by 2012. At present 9,000 prisoners live in 12 prisons and 23 closed- and open-type prison facilities.
***
Commenting on the first day of the National Assembly's second session, "Ataka" writes that Borissov called on the majority to work hard to pull the country out of the crisis. The power-holders' priorities include the fight against crime and improving the business climate.
***
Quoting a municipal councillor, "Klassa" reports that there will be a new law on Sofia by mid-year. Councillor Andrei Ivanov says that if residents want the capital to be twice as clean as now, the litter collection fee must double.
JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS
"Troud" reports that prosecutors and the State Agency for National Security (SANS) are conducting an investigation into SAPARD funding triggered by suspicions of contacts between Paying Agency employees and consulting firms. Agriculture State Fund Chair Kalina Ilieva says the investigation is targeting people under suspicion or people involved in proven irregularities. The Fund's new leadership alerted SANS last October.
Links to some Bulgarian info websites in English:
http://www.bta.bg/site/en/indexe.shtml
http://www.novinite.com/index.php
http://www.focus-fen.net/
Most discussed topics of the day – Sofia, January 14, 2010
· Up to now the only thing my colleagues in Brussels and I agreed on is to wait for the jurists to announce their decision on the case – whether there is a conflict of interest. Rumyana Zheleva believes there is not, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov says in an interview with Bulgarian National Television, commenting on the row around Rumyana Zheleva’s hearing in the European Parliament. I hope she has checked everything, he said. I rely on Ms. Zheleva’s doing what the law states, pointed out Borisov. Asked what will happen is she did not do what the law states, he said: “She will not receive my support.”
· Bulgaria Chief Prosecutor Boris Velchev has stated that those arrested from the major kidnapping gang in two successful special operations codenamed “The Impudent” will be charged. The high-profile kidnappers’ gang is believed to be responsible for 19 cases of kidnappings of rich Bulgarians. It was busted in December 2009. A total of 30 people were arrested initially, 10 were left behind bars.
· Over 300 people gathered outside the Bulgaria Parliament to protest against the center-right GERB government’s proposed changes to the Electronic Communications Act. Representatives of the National Movement for Stability and Progress joined the protest. They are carrying large flags of their party and the EU flag. MPs from the Union of Democratic Forces, including party chairman Martin Dimitrov, also joined the protest.
· Bulgaria’s had 0,5% inflation in December 2009, according to latest data provided by the National Statistical Institute.The average annual inflation for January-December 2009 is estimated at 2,8% compared to the same period of 2008.
Sofia, January 14 (BTA)
FOREIGN POLICY
A political deal will decide Rumiana Jeleva's fate, "Dnevnik" writes. Her fiasco at the confirmation hearing at the European Parliament on Tuesday is about to trigger a crisis in the approval of the entire European Commission, which is voted en bloc, the daily says. That is why there was talk in Brussels all day Wednesday of shuttles between the two largest groups - the European People's Party (EPP) and the Party of European Socialists - in an effort to find a solution.
***
"Telegraph" says Jeleva's fate is in Barroso's hands.
***
"Zemya" runs a story headlined "3 Million Victims of Haiti Quake; 8 Million Disgraced by Jeleva Scandal". The daily compares the Commissioner-designate's performance at her confirmation hearing at the European Parliament on Tuesday to that of a bottom-of-the-class student.
***
"Ataka" offers a different take on the situation: "Jeleva Attacked with Discrediting Material about Corporate Interests; Yotova [from the Socialist Party] and Purvanova [from the National Movement for Surge and Stability] Tried to Discredit Bulgarian Commissioner-Designate".
***
"Sega" writes that Jeleva was an MEP in breach of the law for two years, and claims that the Bulgarian government has been under strong pressure from Brussels to come up with a different candidate for the post.
***
Prime Minister Boyko Borissov has a back-up candidate for EU Commissioner in case Foreign Minister Rumiana Jeleva fails to win approval, "Troud" and "24 Chassa" write. Still, Borissov believes things will not come to this and the final decision will be in Jeleva's favour. "I talked last [Tuesday] night until very late with people from the EPP who believe she did well. They said that given the trap she was forced into, she did her best," Borissov told "Troud". Asked if he made a mistake by nominating her, the prime minister says in "Troud": "I don't think so." "Let's commend the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) on its subversive activity, it has always been good at it, as in bombing churches, opening forced labour camps," he also says, implying that he considers the Socialists the main culprits for the scandal during Jeleva's hearing in the European Parliament. However, "Troud" says there are serious discrepancies in the statements of her financial interests.
***
"24 Chassa" speculates that the possible candidates for a Commissioner's portfolio are Defence Minister Nickolay Mladenov, Yuliana Nikolova, Secretary of the Council on EU Funds Management, and Andrei Kovachev, leader of the Bulgarian delegation to the EPP group in the European Parliament.
***
An opinion piece in "Douma" says Jeleva's failure at the hearing was not caused by a plot but was a sad consequence of Boyko Borissov's smugness. The writer adds that as it often happens in Bulgaria, people in power do not want to see the truth.
***
"24 Chassa" says there was a plot, unlike at the election of Irina Bokova as UNESCO Secretary General. No right-wing group plotted against Bokova, while now the Communists and the Liberals conspired against Jeleva. The gist of the issue is that Jeleva concealed significant circumstances: that she was discharged of responsibility for the company in question in March 2009, while she claims that this happened in 2007, says political analyst Evgenii Dainov.
***
Antonia Purvanova MEP (National Movement for Surge and Stability) says in "Troud" Jeleva's nomination is a major failure for Borissov. Purvanova says in "24 Chassa" that it was not she that opened the eyes of the foreign media - Jeleva's problem is in her own documents.
***
In "24 Chassa", Jeleva's husband Krassimir Jelev says: "How am I to take the headline 'A Gangster Bride for the EC?' [a reference to a story in the German newspaper Die Welt]. What piques me most is the question mark. I am asking this as a lawyer. Is the question mark intended as a safeguard against possible legal action against the journalists? I am in consultation with several German law firms about taking legal action and I want to know if I stand a chance to win."
***
Bulgaria has until the end of January to submit a report on the steps it has taken to ensure regularity and effectiveness of the investment projects financed under Operational Programme Environment, or else the European Commission will stop the overall financing, Dirk Ahner, Director General of the Commission's DG Regional Policy, said in a letter to Finance Minister Simeon Djankov of January 8, "Klassa" reports. The letter which analyses the absorption of EU funds was sent to 11 more senior officials at ministries and departments. The problems will be discussed at the meeting of the Monitoring Committee of the National Reference Strategic Framework in Sofia on Thursday and Friday. Ahner said DG Regional Policy had already expressed concern about the quality of many of the 29 investment projects for the environment and 157 projects for technical support for the environment.
***
"I want every German to feel he or she is among friends," Mariana Cholakova, the new German honorary consul, says in "24 Chassa".
HOME SCENE
"If the steps we have taken start working, I hope unemployment will not top 11.4 per cent," Labour and Social Policy Minister Totyu Mladenov says in "Troud".
"Troud" writes that the Europeanization of Bulgarian prisons will cost at least 90 million euro. A new prison in Sofia will cost at least 100 million euro, and a new prison in Varna will cost nearly as much, says Peter Vassilev, head of the Directorate General of Implementation of Penal Sanctions. Bulgaria must improve prison conditions by 2012. At present 9,000 prisoners live in 12 prisons and 23 closed- and open-type prison facilities.
***
Commenting on the first day of the National Assembly's second session, "Ataka" writes that Borissov called on the majority to work hard to pull the country out of the crisis. The power-holders' priorities include the fight against crime and improving the business climate.
***
Quoting a municipal councillor, "Klassa" reports that there will be a new law on Sofia by mid-year. Councillor Andrei Ivanov says that if residents want the capital to be twice as clean as now, the litter collection fee must double.
JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS
"Troud" reports that prosecutors and the State Agency for National Security (SANS) are conducting an investigation into SAPARD funding triggered by suspicions of contacts between Paying Agency employees and consulting firms. Agriculture State Fund Chair Kalina Ilieva says the investigation is targeting people under suspicion or people involved in proven irregularities. The Fund's new leadership alerted SANS last October.
Links to some Bulgarian info websites in English:
http://www.bta.bg/site/en/indexe.shtml
http://www.novinite.com/index.php
http://www.focus-fen.net/
Most discussed topics of the day – Sofia, January 14, 2010
· Up to now the only thing my colleagues in Brussels and I agreed on is to wait for the jurists to announce their decision on the case – whether there is a conflict of interest. Rumyana Zheleva believes there is not, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov says in an interview with Bulgarian National Television, commenting on the row around Rumyana Zheleva’s hearing in the European Parliament. I hope she has checked everything, he said. I rely on Ms. Zheleva’s doing what the law states, pointed out Borisov. Asked what will happen is she did not do what the law states, he said: “She will not receive my support.”
· Bulgaria Chief Prosecutor Boris Velchev has stated that those arrested from the major kidnapping gang in two successful special operations codenamed “The Impudent” will be charged. The high-profile kidnappers’ gang is believed to be responsible for 19 cases of kidnappings of rich Bulgarians. It was busted in December 2009. A total of 30 people were arrested initially, 10 were left behind bars.
· Over 300 people gathered outside the Bulgaria Parliament to protest against the center-right GERB government’s proposed changes to the Electronic Communications Act. Representatives of the National Movement for Stability and Progress joined the protest. They are carrying large flags of their party and the EU flag. MPs from the Union of Democratic Forces, including party chairman Martin Dimitrov, also joined the protest.
· Bulgaria’s had 0,5% inflation in December 2009, according to latest data provided by the National Statistical Institute.The average annual inflation for January-December 2009 is estimated at 2,8% compared to the same period of 2008.
onsdag den 13. januar 2010
Bulgarian press review, January 13, 2010
Press Review
Sofia, January 13 (BTA)
THE HOME SCENE
"Troud" has a front-page story on the reshuffle in the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) leadership ("Dogan Paves the Way for New Leader"). "For the first time since MRF's establishment, its leader Ahmed Dogan takes on a very heavy burden: total purge of the territory around him and elimination of key figures in MRF's 20-year life since its establishment. He is doing it at a time when the party is isolated from allies and friends, has drawn upon itself much public ire, and is accused of all political sins. In his report to the 7th MRF conference late last year Dogan warned his men that serious changes were coming up in the leadership but noone believed that he would be forced to part with Kassim Dal and Yunal Lyutvi, and shed MRF's top economist Yordan Tsonev and Emel Etem. The new faces in the leadership is where Dogan will be looking to find the next party leader," the story goes.
***
"Sega" comments that Dogan "is testing the party loyalty". It says that he is getting rid of the old guard, most of whom have been compromised by their presence in the government and in the party leadership, to give a chance to somebody new and unknown. The paper speculates on whether, may be, Dogan is preparing to wind down the party - which he had long been threatening to do, and says this is very much unlikely.
***
In "24 Chassa", MRF's Prof. Lyudmil Georgiev says that the most likely successor of Dogan as MRF leader is Kassim Dal ("Kassim Dal: the MRF Leader in the Future"). On Monday Dogan did not mention Dal among his deputies and the leadership members were left with the impression that he is allowed a well-deserved break before he takes on bigger responsibilities than those of MRF deputy leader, Prof. Georgiev says.
***
According to "Standard News", two of Dal's henchmen were elected to the MRF top leadership which goes to show that Dal himself is strengthening his positions. "What exactly is about to happen at MRF, only Dogan can say," the story says adding that Dogan is the only Bulgarian politician who knows the secret of always emerging stronger and with bigger electoral support after each government he participates in.
***
In a "24 Chassa" interview, Kamen Kostadinov of the MRF Central Bureau says "nobody feels demoted". He is adamant that the removal of some people from the leadership is not over poor performance but because MRF "is in a new situation". "A new political cycle starts for the party and it requires building a new team," he says. He goes on to dismiss allegations about clashes among various fractions in MRF: "MRF is united and consolidated and has its party vision".
"Sega" reports the latest poll by the MBMD pollsters ("Only Three Parties Make It into Parliament during Elections") saying that only GERB, the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) and MRF get the 4 per cent (or more) needed for a party to win seats in Parliament.
***
"Troud" quotes Democrats for Strong Bulgaria leader Ivan Kostov as saying that the government should catch the masterminds of the Impudent, a group of kidnappers which was busted recently in a large-scale operation of the law-enforcers. He also calls for catching the people in the high corridors of the Interior Ministry and the State Agency for National Security, who have provided umbrella for the Impudent and the likes of them. Kostov also said that GERB has so far been unable to handle the crisis.
***
"Troud" writes about BSP's intention to challenge before the Constitutional Court two laws. One is the National Budget Act where Article 17 allows government ministers to cut back spending that has been approved by Parliament. The socialists' other objection is to the manner of adopting amendments to the Archive Fund Act.
***
"24 Chassa" leads with a story saying that Parliament leader Tsetska Tsacheva has banned access to the Tsarska Bistritsa residence for tourists as of the end of December 2009. The ban is part of a moratorium that has been imposed on property owned by Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. Any operation and construction works is also prohibited until a special law is adopted about property that has been left by King Ferdinand and Boris III.
***
A front-page story in "Troud" says that 11 drug dealers and thieves were arrested in Sofia in the night between Tuesday and Wednesday. The operation started on Monday evening when 200 policemen searched 157 offices and bars known to be used by underworld figures. 22 crimes were solved during the operation, including seven robberies and five thefts.
***
"Sega" says that the government is introducing serious penalties in a bid to make its citizens use their rights. The story refers to amendments to the medical insurance legislation whereby Bulgarians with medical insurance will be unable to travel abroad unles they have taken out a European medical insurance card. This card certifies that its holder has regularly paid medical insurance and is entitled to free emergency medical aid. The ban on foreign travel by people without such a card has been in effect since December 18, 2009, but is not being observed.
ECONOMY
The budget is waiting for 7 billion from VAT, "24 Chassa" writes. The story is prompted by a remark by Prime Minister Boyko Borissov after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when he said that he is very much likely to put to practice his advice about financial policies, including a reduction of VAT with immediate effect. The author observes that VAT brings in close to half of all tax revenue in the public purse and reducing it by 0.5 per cent means losing at least 135 million leva. The head of the parliamentary budget committee, Menda Stoyanova, comments that bringing down VAT this year is a risky step. Bozhidar Danev of the Bulgarian Industrial Association says that such a step this year would be dangerous because it could destabilize the macro-economic framework. According to Georgi Angelov of the Open Society Institute, further tax reforms by reducing VAT should follow bringing social insurance contributions to low enough levels. Currently social insurance contributions make up 30 per cent of the monthly wage.
***
In "Douma", MP and former Economy Minister Peter Dimitrov says that bringing down VAT now is too adventurist. "Such measures are undertaken where there is surplus: you bring down a tax and cut back the surplus but none of the systems of the state suffers".
***
"We are out of the crisis but nothing good follows from that," financier Emil Hursev says in a "Pari" interview. He expects "a much worse and much more danerous period" in the next three or four years: a period of depression which is worse than recession. "We will be witness of coercive debt collection, bankruptcies, final sales, closure of jobs. Exiting the crisis does not mean going back to the times of tempestuous economic development and a boom in lending. Bulgaria lacks resources to pour money in the economy and return it to the track of growth. Unlike Germany, we can't take out 1,000 billion euro," says Hursev.
***
In a "Troud" interview MEP and former Foreign minister Ivailo Kalfin warns that ADIS, the state-owned company which runs the diplomatic properties in Bulgaria, is being driven to demise. He says that in the past three years the company was saved from financial troubles and was handed over to the new government with zero debts and 11 million leva in its account. What has happened since then is that everybody hired by the previous CEO has been sacked, one of the profit-making activities of the company - dealership - has been done with, and what probably comes next is spending the 11 million in the company accounts, declaring the company as financially troubled and starting the sale of assets, Kalfin says. "I will try to make sure this is not done in the dark," he adds.
BULGARIA - EU
The papers report the Tuesday hearing of EU Commissioner Rumiana Jeleva at the European Parliament's Development Committee. "Sega" ("MEPs Crucify Rumiana Jeleva") says that the Q&A session turned into a public lynch as several green, liberal and left MEPs asked Jeleva questions about her financial interests leaving in the background the question about her competence and priorities.
Links to some Bulgarian info websites in English:
· http://www.bta.bg/site/en/indexe.shtml
· http://www.novinite.com/index.php
· http://www.focus-fen.net/
Most discussed topics of the day – Sofia, January 13, 2010
· Bulgaria's Foreign Minister Rumiana Jeleva, nominee for commissioner, said she will not withdraw her bid, even though her hearing at the European Parliament on Tuesday evening descended into disarray amidst claims that she was less than frank in declarations about her business affairs. Earlier in the day Prime Minister Boyko Borisov defended Jeleva, saying that she has fallen victim to a plot, concocted by the opposition Socialist and NDSV parties.
· Nikolay Marinov a.k.a The Small Margin has not appeared in the court during the hearing of the case against him. Krasimir and Nikolay Marinovi have been accused of initiating the killing of radio presenter Bobi Tsankov, over which Krasimir Marinov, a.k.a The Big Margin has been arrested. His brother was declared for national search. He was expected to be arrested today (Wednesday) at the hearing of the case, which has lasted for over three years.
· Two masked and armed attackers have robbed a unit of a bank in downtown Sofia. According to an employee in the bank office two men burst into the office, located in a block of flats. They threatened her with a gun, took about BGN 20 000 and run away in an unknown direction.An investigation into the case has been launched. There has been a surge in brazen robberies in the Bulgarian capital lately, which the prime minister has seen as a plot against his government.
Sofia, January 13 (BTA)
THE HOME SCENE
"Troud" has a front-page story on the reshuffle in the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) leadership ("Dogan Paves the Way for New Leader"). "For the first time since MRF's establishment, its leader Ahmed Dogan takes on a very heavy burden: total purge of the territory around him and elimination of key figures in MRF's 20-year life since its establishment. He is doing it at a time when the party is isolated from allies and friends, has drawn upon itself much public ire, and is accused of all political sins. In his report to the 7th MRF conference late last year Dogan warned his men that serious changes were coming up in the leadership but noone believed that he would be forced to part with Kassim Dal and Yunal Lyutvi, and shed MRF's top economist Yordan Tsonev and Emel Etem. The new faces in the leadership is where Dogan will be looking to find the next party leader," the story goes.
***
"Sega" comments that Dogan "is testing the party loyalty". It says that he is getting rid of the old guard, most of whom have been compromised by their presence in the government and in the party leadership, to give a chance to somebody new and unknown. The paper speculates on whether, may be, Dogan is preparing to wind down the party - which he had long been threatening to do, and says this is very much unlikely.
***
In "24 Chassa", MRF's Prof. Lyudmil Georgiev says that the most likely successor of Dogan as MRF leader is Kassim Dal ("Kassim Dal: the MRF Leader in the Future"). On Monday Dogan did not mention Dal among his deputies and the leadership members were left with the impression that he is allowed a well-deserved break before he takes on bigger responsibilities than those of MRF deputy leader, Prof. Georgiev says.
***
According to "Standard News", two of Dal's henchmen were elected to the MRF top leadership which goes to show that Dal himself is strengthening his positions. "What exactly is about to happen at MRF, only Dogan can say," the story says adding that Dogan is the only Bulgarian politician who knows the secret of always emerging stronger and with bigger electoral support after each government he participates in.
***
In a "24 Chassa" interview, Kamen Kostadinov of the MRF Central Bureau says "nobody feels demoted". He is adamant that the removal of some people from the leadership is not over poor performance but because MRF "is in a new situation". "A new political cycle starts for the party and it requires building a new team," he says. He goes on to dismiss allegations about clashes among various fractions in MRF: "MRF is united and consolidated and has its party vision".
"Sega" reports the latest poll by the MBMD pollsters ("Only Three Parties Make It into Parliament during Elections") saying that only GERB, the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) and MRF get the 4 per cent (or more) needed for a party to win seats in Parliament.
***
"Troud" quotes Democrats for Strong Bulgaria leader Ivan Kostov as saying that the government should catch the masterminds of the Impudent, a group of kidnappers which was busted recently in a large-scale operation of the law-enforcers. He also calls for catching the people in the high corridors of the Interior Ministry and the State Agency for National Security, who have provided umbrella for the Impudent and the likes of them. Kostov also said that GERB has so far been unable to handle the crisis.
***
"Troud" writes about BSP's intention to challenge before the Constitutional Court two laws. One is the National Budget Act where Article 17 allows government ministers to cut back spending that has been approved by Parliament. The socialists' other objection is to the manner of adopting amendments to the Archive Fund Act.
***
"24 Chassa" leads with a story saying that Parliament leader Tsetska Tsacheva has banned access to the Tsarska Bistritsa residence for tourists as of the end of December 2009. The ban is part of a moratorium that has been imposed on property owned by Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. Any operation and construction works is also prohibited until a special law is adopted about property that has been left by King Ferdinand and Boris III.
***
A front-page story in "Troud" says that 11 drug dealers and thieves were arrested in Sofia in the night between Tuesday and Wednesday. The operation started on Monday evening when 200 policemen searched 157 offices and bars known to be used by underworld figures. 22 crimes were solved during the operation, including seven robberies and five thefts.
***
"Sega" says that the government is introducing serious penalties in a bid to make its citizens use their rights. The story refers to amendments to the medical insurance legislation whereby Bulgarians with medical insurance will be unable to travel abroad unles they have taken out a European medical insurance card. This card certifies that its holder has regularly paid medical insurance and is entitled to free emergency medical aid. The ban on foreign travel by people without such a card has been in effect since December 18, 2009, but is not being observed.
ECONOMY
The budget is waiting for 7 billion from VAT, "24 Chassa" writes. The story is prompted by a remark by Prime Minister Boyko Borissov after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when he said that he is very much likely to put to practice his advice about financial policies, including a reduction of VAT with immediate effect. The author observes that VAT brings in close to half of all tax revenue in the public purse and reducing it by 0.5 per cent means losing at least 135 million leva. The head of the parliamentary budget committee, Menda Stoyanova, comments that bringing down VAT this year is a risky step. Bozhidar Danev of the Bulgarian Industrial Association says that such a step this year would be dangerous because it could destabilize the macro-economic framework. According to Georgi Angelov of the Open Society Institute, further tax reforms by reducing VAT should follow bringing social insurance contributions to low enough levels. Currently social insurance contributions make up 30 per cent of the monthly wage.
***
In "Douma", MP and former Economy Minister Peter Dimitrov says that bringing down VAT now is too adventurist. "Such measures are undertaken where there is surplus: you bring down a tax and cut back the surplus but none of the systems of the state suffers".
***
"We are out of the crisis but nothing good follows from that," financier Emil Hursev says in a "Pari" interview. He expects "a much worse and much more danerous period" in the next three or four years: a period of depression which is worse than recession. "We will be witness of coercive debt collection, bankruptcies, final sales, closure of jobs. Exiting the crisis does not mean going back to the times of tempestuous economic development and a boom in lending. Bulgaria lacks resources to pour money in the economy and return it to the track of growth. Unlike Germany, we can't take out 1,000 billion euro," says Hursev.
***
In a "Troud" interview MEP and former Foreign minister Ivailo Kalfin warns that ADIS, the state-owned company which runs the diplomatic properties in Bulgaria, is being driven to demise. He says that in the past three years the company was saved from financial troubles and was handed over to the new government with zero debts and 11 million leva in its account. What has happened since then is that everybody hired by the previous CEO has been sacked, one of the profit-making activities of the company - dealership - has been done with, and what probably comes next is spending the 11 million in the company accounts, declaring the company as financially troubled and starting the sale of assets, Kalfin says. "I will try to make sure this is not done in the dark," he adds.
BULGARIA - EU
The papers report the Tuesday hearing of EU Commissioner Rumiana Jeleva at the European Parliament's Development Committee. "Sega" ("MEPs Crucify Rumiana Jeleva") says that the Q&A session turned into a public lynch as several green, liberal and left MEPs asked Jeleva questions about her financial interests leaving in the background the question about her competence and priorities.
Links to some Bulgarian info websites in English:
· http://www.bta.bg/site/en/indexe.shtml
· http://www.novinite.com/index.php
· http://www.focus-fen.net/
Most discussed topics of the day – Sofia, January 13, 2010
· Bulgaria's Foreign Minister Rumiana Jeleva, nominee for commissioner, said she will not withdraw her bid, even though her hearing at the European Parliament on Tuesday evening descended into disarray amidst claims that she was less than frank in declarations about her business affairs. Earlier in the day Prime Minister Boyko Borisov defended Jeleva, saying that she has fallen victim to a plot, concocted by the opposition Socialist and NDSV parties.
· Nikolay Marinov a.k.a The Small Margin has not appeared in the court during the hearing of the case against him. Krasimir and Nikolay Marinovi have been accused of initiating the killing of radio presenter Bobi Tsankov, over which Krasimir Marinov, a.k.a The Big Margin has been arrested. His brother was declared for national search. He was expected to be arrested today (Wednesday) at the hearing of the case, which has lasted for over three years.
· Two masked and armed attackers have robbed a unit of a bank in downtown Sofia. According to an employee in the bank office two men burst into the office, located in a block of flats. They threatened her with a gun, took about BGN 20 000 and run away in an unknown direction.An investigation into the case has been launched. There has been a surge in brazen robberies in the Bulgarian capital lately, which the prime minister has seen as a plot against his government.
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