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.
tirsdag den 26. januar 2010
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.
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