Press Review
Sofia, February 2
HOME SCENE
"Troud" highlights the President's decision to veto amendments to the Defence and Armed Forces Act and to the Meetings, Rallies and Demonstrations Act. This emerged after Georgi Purvanov's meeting with Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. The President argued that the amendments to the defence law curtailed his powers as Supreme Commander-in-Chief as the chief of defence is to report directly to the defence minister instead of to the President as now. The President and the Prime Minister also agreed that the security zone around the buildings of the Parliament, the President's Office and the Council of Ministers where no protests will be allowed be set between 5 m and 20 m.
In "24 Chassa" Defence Minister Anyu Angelov says that while he accepts the veto, he is confident that the President's powers are intact. He says he is familiar with the differences between the President and Parliament which have led to the veto on the Defence and Armed Forces Act, and believes that unanimity will be achieved with concerted efforts. Angelov explains: "The President exercises his powers on a proposal by the Council of Ministers. That is why there is no need to stipulate that the top military chief is subordinated to the President as well. It has never happened that the President issued an order to the chief of defence which was not known to or proposed by the defence minister or the Council of Ministers."
***
"Sega" reports that the Prime Minister put an end to criticisms of the court. He pledged a new work style, including a moratorium on recriminations between the institutions, at a meeting with the Supreme Judicial Council. Borissov learned from the explanation of Lazar Gruev, President of the Supreme Court of Cassation, that the Prime Minister cannot state his opinion on lawsuits in advance because this would lead to judgements against Bulgaria in Strasbourg.
***
Socialist Party leader Sergei Stanishev called for a polygraph test for Borissov, "Troud" writes. Stanishev claimed that the Prime Minister's GERB party had promised an accelerated VAT input tax recovery, while in reality 700 million leva were owed in VAT to companies. Stanishev argues that this is strangling the real economy, and at the same time tax audits and frozen accounts are stifling businesses, forcing them to cut wages and jobs. Stanishev explains that unemployment is rising and wages are falling because the government lacks a vision and competence. The anti-crisis plan should have been updated, including new priorities, which did not materialize, the Socialist leader says.
***
"Sega" reports that people are blocking roads to resist hospital reform. On Monday Gotse Delchev in the southwest residents and hospital staff blocked a road junction for an hour in protest at what they claim are drastic cuts in financing. More rallies were held in towns in Northeastern Bulgaria.
Boyko Borissov commented: "The health care reform is under way, this is all there is to it. No one has accomplished a perfect reform overnight. I believe this is the way to do it."
In "Troud" trade union expert Krustyo Petkov comments that people are rising against the way reforms are implemented, not against the reforms themselves. He says that protesting doctors and railway workers were followed by farmers and tobacco growers, protests are brewing against hospital closures and a rise in the retirement age. GERB administration seems to be looking for trouble through confrontation with millions of people. Health care concerns 7.5 million people, and the retirement age will be a concern to 1.5 million people in the coming years. The government should appoint experts to advise the Prime Minister and his "imported" team about how to reform public services without provoking discontent.
***
In "24 Chassa" Kolyo Paramov says he resigned as Borissov's advisor so as not to put him in "delicate situations". The financier who was to help Borissov about "the link between the real economy and practical policy" explained his unexpected rise and even more unexpected fall in a week's time blaming the attack on him on "court economists who tell every government things that will win them favour". He definitively blamed the Union of Democratic Forces (UDF) and Democrats for Strong Bulgaria (DSB) for orchestrating the attack. For his part, Borissov said it was silly for one to be advised only by like-minded people, but promised to mend the situation.
"Sega" asks who makes the appointments and dismissals in Borissov's cabinet. The problem is getting out of control, the daily says, referring to Prof. Ilian Mihov who was to become deputy prime minister and to Paramov. The daily asks who suggested those appointments, implying that there was outside intervention.
In "Standart News" sociologist Yulii Pavlov, Director of the Centre for Analyses and Marketing, says that good experts are not to be found in the parties. He was surprised that Borissov yielded to the pressure of UDF and DSB leaders Martin Dimitrov and Ivan Kostov and indefinitely put off Prof. Mihov's appointment. It was even more strange that he invited a left-wing economist, Paramov, to join his team. Pavlov notes that good economists can be found both at the Academy of Sciences and at the University for National and World Economy. He suggests that Borissov work with lecturers and even with advisory councils, which would greatly help the government.
In "Sega" Environment Minister Nona Karadjova says permissions for planting GMOs will be hard to come by. She denies that the sale of foods with GM ingredients is being liberalized. "Our only wish is to bring Bulgarian procedures in line with the EU's, which require case-by-case discussion of every GMO-related request. Seeing that people are very concerned, we will have the provisions which ban GMO in Natura 2000 areas and near organic crops." Karadjova promises that anti-GMO views expressed during the public discussion will be heeded.
THE ECONOMY
Quoting the Finance Ministry, "Troud" reports that the 2009 budget deficit was 529.5 million leva, 0.8 per cent of GDP. This ranks Bulgaria in the group of EU countries with the best financial indicators.
Bulgarian National Bank vice Governor Dimiter Kostov says in "Troud" that it is important to have a balanced budget. It should be balanced in the long term on the basis of good expenditure management. He refers to real expenditures because the tax burden is determined by the actual resources used in the public sector, not by the taxes in nominal terms, and it is these actual resources that must be controlled. It is a different matter if there will be a deficit or a surplus in an individual year, Kostov says.
In "Sega" Employment Agency Director Rossitsa Stelianova says that in January, 24 employers filed reports on major job cuts, which at 1,096 are nearly three times down from a year earlier when over 3,000 job cuts were made. The economic recovery in Bulgaria is largely due to recovery in major investors like Germany and France. Stelianova is confident that the January jobless rate will not exceed 10 per cent.
"Troud" writes that from March 1 the tax authorities will call or send e-mails to people with unpaid fines to state departments. They will be prosecuted only if the warnings are ignored. The National Revenue Agency has taken over the collection of fines from the State Receivables Collection Agency since January.
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, February 2, 2010
• Protesting Greek farmers have not lifted the blockade for trucks for nearly 48 hours now and some 300 TIRs are currently waiting at Koulata to cross over to Greece, Border Police said. Only cars and buses are let through in both directions and the line of trucks is already over 6 km, but all traffic will be stopped at 11:00 am. The Ilinden-Exochi checkpoint will be closed for all vehicles
from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, the Interior Ministry said.The situation at the other two border checkpoints, Kapitan Petko Voivoda and Zlatograd, is normal.
• Winter conditions in Bulgaria are reported as "heavy" while in some regions in the country they are "severe". Around the riverside city of Rousse, roads are partially closed due to ice cover. Accordingly, hundreds of lorries are queueing to cross the bridge to Romania. Reportedly, the long line of lorries extends all the way from Dunav Most, all around Rousse, reaching the interchange leading for Sofia.
•
• Bulgaria will adopt only such laws on GMO that are necessary to meet the requirements of the European Commission, Prime Minister Boiko Borissov said before journalists on Tuesday. Borissov visited a Laboratory of General Ecology with the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS). "The Government and I are against the development of genetically modified organisms," he stated.
• Since the end of October 18 clerks with the State Agriculture Fund have been suspended following a check for conflicts of interest. The news was announced at a press conference of the Agriculture Fund.The most striking case is the dismissal of a chief expert in the anti-fraud and anti-corruption unit. The official recommended the payment of a project although SAPARD irregularities had been established in it.Two officials were dismissed from the Agriculture Fund’s office in the southwestern municipality of Blagoevgrad because of links to consulting firms. Three more officials with the Fund’s technical inspectorate in the northern municipality of Montana were fired because of family relations with beneficiaries – without declaring a conflict of interest they were verifying Rural Development Program projects submitted by relatives of their.
tirsdag den 2. februar 2010
mandag den 1. februar 2010
Bulgarian press review, February 1, 2010
Press Review
Sofia, February 1
FOREIGN POLICY
"Troud" interviews newly elected Foreign Minister Nickolay Mladenov who says that the foremost goal of the Bulgarian diplomacy will be to focus its attention on the Balkans. Mladenov argues that Bulgaria seems to have isolated itself and forgotten its neighbours. The Foreign Minister says that the policy towards its neighbours could be Bulgaria's contribution to the European policy for the Balkans. Mladenov says he has decided to make a quick tour of neighbouring countries to "identify problems". "It is not enough for Bulgaria to just say it is supporting the efforts of the countries in the Western Balkans to join the EU. I am fed up with hearing that Bulgaria joins this or that initiative suggested by someone else. It is high time for us to come up with an initiative to be joined by others," says Mladenov.
Another goal of the Bulgarian diplomacy will be to create opportunities for new markets for Bulgarian businesses.
* * *
"Novinar" writes that the quotas for cargo haulage between Bulgaria and Turkey increase by 40 per cent. This was agreed during the January 29 and 30 visit to Turkey of a Bulgarian delegation led by Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. Transport Minister Aleksandar Tsvetkov who was on the delegation is quoted as saying that many other agreements in the interest of forwarding companies have been reached with Turkey.
* * *
The Monday dailies report that the ship Asian Glory, with eight Bulgarians on board, which was kidnapped by Somali pirates on January 2, has been sailing to the Gulf of Aden. The reports quote Commander John Harbour, Chief Public Information Officer of the Atalanta operation of the EU in the Gulf of Aden. Quoting information of a Russian publication called "Naval Bulletin", the newspapers say also that Asian Glory could be turned into a base ship for launching new attacks and hijackings.
* * *
Quoting Deputy Foreign Minister Marin Raikov, "Novinar" says in a front-pafe report that there are four Bulgarians among the victims of the January 20 accident when a building in Liege collapsed after a gas explosion. The Belgian press says that Bulgarians used to live illegally in the building.
ECONOMY
"Sega" writes in a top report that outstanding payments of members of the public and companies to the budget have doubled, according to "black lists" of taxpayers published on the web site of the National Revenue Agency. If a year ago such amounts totalled 60 million leva monthly, they now stand at 120 million leva. These are debts that have been identified, proven by the tax authorities in the relevant statements and confirmed by the court, says the report. Experts explain this state of affairs not only with the economic downturn which left many businesses without orders and proceeds, but also with the considerable increase in tax frauds.
* * *
"Dnevnik" writes in a front-page report that non-performing debts for which forcible collection is sought reached 1,000 million leva in 2009. The daily cites data of the Chamber of Private Enforcement Agents. Last year the cases when debtors were unable to service their debts and refused to do so voluntarily increased by nearly 60 per cent. In 2009 private enforcement agents reported for the first time a drop in the amount of money they managed to secure to lenders. Last year a total of 320 million leva were collected by private enforcement agents who are by 80 million leva less than in 2008. The decrease is attributed to the fact that debtors do not have money while there are no buyers for real estate.
* * *
"Klassa" reports in a front-page story that Bulgaria was ranked on the 28th place, ahead of Poland and Romania, in the globalization index survey conducted by The Economist Intelligence Unit and commissioned by Ernst&Young. The results of the survey were presented at the World Economic Forum which has just ended in Davos. In 1995 to 2009 Bulgaria's globalization index increased from 3.52 to 4.03.
THE HOME SCENE
Interviewed by "Troud" German Ambassador to Sofia Matthias Hoepfner says that the Bulgarians and Europe are waiting for speedy reforms in Bulgaria. The Ambassador says that true friendship includes a certain degree of critical solidarity.
The German diplomat is of the opinion that the Bulgarian Code of Criminal Procedure should be overhauled.
Commenting the recent changes in the Boyko Borissov cabinet, Ambassador Hoepfner says that the government coped excellently in the given situation and proved that Bulgaria has truly skilled young people who meet the requirements of the most senior posts. He says that the good education of the young Bulgarians, some of who obtain it abroad, repays well.
* * *
The leading report in "24 Chassa" says that electricity prices in this country are unlawful since for at least three years the factor of the quality of the service has not been included in the rates. If this had been done, the end price of electricity should have been falling. Lawyer Georgi Dishev of the Bulgarian National Consumer Association argues that al least theoretically, the absence of a quality factor in the formula for calculating electricity prices makes them illegal. The prices may be question before the Supreme Administrative Court, he says.
* * *
The Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) has called for civil pressure again the healthcare reform, "Dnevnik" reports.
The Monday newspapers report on a seminar during the weekend of the parliamentary group of the left-wing Coalition for Bulgaria where the BSP decided to move a bill which will put the state under the obligation to come up with a number of "protected hospitals" which will not be possible to close down.
"Douma" writes that BSP leader and former Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev said at the forum that the BSP will appeal a letter of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) setting new criteria for signing contracts with hospitals before the Supreme Administrative Court. Coalition for Bulgaria will find a way of challenging the policy before the Constitutional Court as well, he said. The criteria are changed by a NHIF letter, which contradicts the National Framework Contract, Stanishev said.
* * *
The leading story in "Troud" says how mountain rescuers, emergency aid doctors and police had to organize a search party Sunday for two reportedly missing British ladies while the women were at their homes in the village of Stoikite, near Smolyan, Southwestern Bulgaria. The misunderstanding was caused when Emily called 112 “emergency call number” to ask for an ambulance for her mother Amanda who reportedly had stroke symptoms. In order to make things easy for the ambulance team Emily said that her house was near the bottom station of the cable car. However, the 112 operator who took the call understood that the women had lost their way near the cable car and directed the ambulance there.
* * *
"Klassa" run the results of a Gallup International poll, according to which about 15 per cent of Bulgarians went on mountain excursions - for a walk during the weekend or to ski, in the past couple of months. Thirty-one per cent of adult Bulgarians went on a trip to the mountains in the past year or sooner while 44 do not remember when they last went on such a trip.
JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS
In an interview to "24 Chassa" Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov says that what his ministry started with the operation dubbed "The Impudent" against kidnappers will continue until all participants in criminal groups up to the highest levels have been reached. What the ministry does in creating special teams to work on high-profile cases is a move in the right direction, Tsvetanov says, adding that ways are being sought to shorten the never-ending court trials where, in his words, conditions are created where witnesses are pressed to retract their testimonies.
Tsvetanov suggests that judges from the EU could perform monitoring of sentences ruled by Bulgarian courts.
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, February 1, 2010
· Due to the heavy snowfall in the capital city Sofia Municipality and Traffic Police will divert temporarily the traffic on some roads so that the snow could be removed, the municipality announced.The traffic in downtown Sofia ground to a virtual standstill. The snow caused gridlock across the central parts of the city. It covered the ice on the roads, creating conditions for road accidents. Many light crashes were reported. Fire engines are pulling bus out of the snow
Traffic has been restored everywhere in Sofia, said Lyubomir Hristov, deputy mayor in charge of transport. He added some of the road sections had been gritted twice to prevent ice formation.
· West Incorporated, an Irish property investor, said on February 1 2010 that it has acquired the Telephone Palace building in Sofia for an estimated 22.5 million euro. The company could to invest more than 100 million euro in developing the property.
West Incorporated said it would not disclose the future purpose of the building, but the company has employed a team of top professionals, who have been researching possibilities to turn the building into a unique cultural and social centre both in Bulgaria and in Eastern Europe.
Sofia, February 1
FOREIGN POLICY
"Troud" interviews newly elected Foreign Minister Nickolay Mladenov who says that the foremost goal of the Bulgarian diplomacy will be to focus its attention on the Balkans. Mladenov argues that Bulgaria seems to have isolated itself and forgotten its neighbours. The Foreign Minister says that the policy towards its neighbours could be Bulgaria's contribution to the European policy for the Balkans. Mladenov says he has decided to make a quick tour of neighbouring countries to "identify problems". "It is not enough for Bulgaria to just say it is supporting the efforts of the countries in the Western Balkans to join the EU. I am fed up with hearing that Bulgaria joins this or that initiative suggested by someone else. It is high time for us to come up with an initiative to be joined by others," says Mladenov.
Another goal of the Bulgarian diplomacy will be to create opportunities for new markets for Bulgarian businesses.
* * *
"Novinar" writes that the quotas for cargo haulage between Bulgaria and Turkey increase by 40 per cent. This was agreed during the January 29 and 30 visit to Turkey of a Bulgarian delegation led by Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. Transport Minister Aleksandar Tsvetkov who was on the delegation is quoted as saying that many other agreements in the interest of forwarding companies have been reached with Turkey.
* * *
The Monday dailies report that the ship Asian Glory, with eight Bulgarians on board, which was kidnapped by Somali pirates on January 2, has been sailing to the Gulf of Aden. The reports quote Commander John Harbour, Chief Public Information Officer of the Atalanta operation of the EU in the Gulf of Aden. Quoting information of a Russian publication called "Naval Bulletin", the newspapers say also that Asian Glory could be turned into a base ship for launching new attacks and hijackings.
* * *
Quoting Deputy Foreign Minister Marin Raikov, "Novinar" says in a front-pafe report that there are four Bulgarians among the victims of the January 20 accident when a building in Liege collapsed after a gas explosion. The Belgian press says that Bulgarians used to live illegally in the building.
ECONOMY
"Sega" writes in a top report that outstanding payments of members of the public and companies to the budget have doubled, according to "black lists" of taxpayers published on the web site of the National Revenue Agency. If a year ago such amounts totalled 60 million leva monthly, they now stand at 120 million leva. These are debts that have been identified, proven by the tax authorities in the relevant statements and confirmed by the court, says the report. Experts explain this state of affairs not only with the economic downturn which left many businesses without orders and proceeds, but also with the considerable increase in tax frauds.
* * *
"Dnevnik" writes in a front-page report that non-performing debts for which forcible collection is sought reached 1,000 million leva in 2009. The daily cites data of the Chamber of Private Enforcement Agents. Last year the cases when debtors were unable to service their debts and refused to do so voluntarily increased by nearly 60 per cent. In 2009 private enforcement agents reported for the first time a drop in the amount of money they managed to secure to lenders. Last year a total of 320 million leva were collected by private enforcement agents who are by 80 million leva less than in 2008. The decrease is attributed to the fact that debtors do not have money while there are no buyers for real estate.
* * *
"Klassa" reports in a front-page story that Bulgaria was ranked on the 28th place, ahead of Poland and Romania, in the globalization index survey conducted by The Economist Intelligence Unit and commissioned by Ernst&Young. The results of the survey were presented at the World Economic Forum which has just ended in Davos. In 1995 to 2009 Bulgaria's globalization index increased from 3.52 to 4.03.
THE HOME SCENE
Interviewed by "Troud" German Ambassador to Sofia Matthias Hoepfner says that the Bulgarians and Europe are waiting for speedy reforms in Bulgaria. The Ambassador says that true friendship includes a certain degree of critical solidarity.
The German diplomat is of the opinion that the Bulgarian Code of Criminal Procedure should be overhauled.
Commenting the recent changes in the Boyko Borissov cabinet, Ambassador Hoepfner says that the government coped excellently in the given situation and proved that Bulgaria has truly skilled young people who meet the requirements of the most senior posts. He says that the good education of the young Bulgarians, some of who obtain it abroad, repays well.
* * *
The leading report in "24 Chassa" says that electricity prices in this country are unlawful since for at least three years the factor of the quality of the service has not been included in the rates. If this had been done, the end price of electricity should have been falling. Lawyer Georgi Dishev of the Bulgarian National Consumer Association argues that al least theoretically, the absence of a quality factor in the formula for calculating electricity prices makes them illegal. The prices may be question before the Supreme Administrative Court, he says.
* * *
The Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) has called for civil pressure again the healthcare reform, "Dnevnik" reports.
The Monday newspapers report on a seminar during the weekend of the parliamentary group of the left-wing Coalition for Bulgaria where the BSP decided to move a bill which will put the state under the obligation to come up with a number of "protected hospitals" which will not be possible to close down.
"Douma" writes that BSP leader and former Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev said at the forum that the BSP will appeal a letter of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) setting new criteria for signing contracts with hospitals before the Supreme Administrative Court. Coalition for Bulgaria will find a way of challenging the policy before the Constitutional Court as well, he said. The criteria are changed by a NHIF letter, which contradicts the National Framework Contract, Stanishev said.
* * *
The leading story in "Troud" says how mountain rescuers, emergency aid doctors and police had to organize a search party Sunday for two reportedly missing British ladies while the women were at their homes in the village of Stoikite, near Smolyan, Southwestern Bulgaria. The misunderstanding was caused when Emily called 112 “emergency call number” to ask for an ambulance for her mother Amanda who reportedly had stroke symptoms. In order to make things easy for the ambulance team Emily said that her house was near the bottom station of the cable car. However, the 112 operator who took the call understood that the women had lost their way near the cable car and directed the ambulance there.
* * *
"Klassa" run the results of a Gallup International poll, according to which about 15 per cent of Bulgarians went on mountain excursions - for a walk during the weekend or to ski, in the past couple of months. Thirty-one per cent of adult Bulgarians went on a trip to the mountains in the past year or sooner while 44 do not remember when they last went on such a trip.
JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS
In an interview to "24 Chassa" Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov says that what his ministry started with the operation dubbed "The Impudent" against kidnappers will continue until all participants in criminal groups up to the highest levels have been reached. What the ministry does in creating special teams to work on high-profile cases is a move in the right direction, Tsvetanov says, adding that ways are being sought to shorten the never-ending court trials where, in his words, conditions are created where witnesses are pressed to retract their testimonies.
Tsvetanov suggests that judges from the EU could perform monitoring of sentences ruled by Bulgarian courts.
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, February 1, 2010
· Due to the heavy snowfall in the capital city Sofia Municipality and Traffic Police will divert temporarily the traffic on some roads so that the snow could be removed, the municipality announced.The traffic in downtown Sofia ground to a virtual standstill. The snow caused gridlock across the central parts of the city. It covered the ice on the roads, creating conditions for road accidents. Many light crashes were reported. Fire engines are pulling bus out of the snow
Traffic has been restored everywhere in Sofia, said Lyubomir Hristov, deputy mayor in charge of transport. He added some of the road sections had been gritted twice to prevent ice formation.
· West Incorporated, an Irish property investor, said on February 1 2010 that it has acquired the Telephone Palace building in Sofia for an estimated 22.5 million euro. The company could to invest more than 100 million euro in developing the property.
West Incorporated said it would not disclose the future purpose of the building, but the company has employed a team of top professionals, who have been researching possibilities to turn the building into a unique cultural and social centre both in Bulgaria and in Eastern Europe.
fredag den 29. januar 2010
Bulgarian press review, January 29, 2010
Press Review
Sofia, January 29
THE HOME SCENE
"Boris Velchev Defends Changes to Code of Criminal Procedure," "Troud writes. Changes to the Code of Criminal Procedure will untie the hands of the prosecuting magistracy. Any objections are "predictable and show fear," said Prosecutor General Boris Velchev on Thursday. He added that in Bulgaria people are much more afraid of the state than of criminals. He raised the question of what the prosecuting magistracy should be in a society with "a huge deficit of justice". Changes to the Code of Criminal Procedure were adopted in principle on Wednesday, but they were criticized harshly by MPs of the remaining four groups in Parliament: the Coalition for Bulgaria, the Movement for Rights and Freedoms, the Blue Coalition and Ataka.
***
"Troud" runs an editorial on the changes to the Code of Criminal Procedure (Better to Be Unpunished At Large than Innocent in Prison). For the first time during GERB's rule a support for a bill has been withdrawn for political reasons. The Code of Criminal Procedure institutes the role of the back-up lawyer who will replace a defense lawyer during an absence, irrespective of the reason, without the consent of the defendant. The irony is that a case will not be adjourned due to the absence of the defense lawyer, but it will when the back-up lawyer is absent. The Convention on Human Rights expressly states that a defendant has the right to choose a defense lawyer. The changes will see in the return of the "eternal defendant" after the scrap of a provision that cases should go to court after two years. The amendment is ridiculous against the backdrop of nearly 71,000,000 cases that were suspended after their statute of limitations ran out last year. The scrapping of the mandatory defense before the Supreme Court of Cassation, the limited access to cassation and retrial of criminal cases, and the weight given in court to anonymous tips and evidence obtained through special surveillance means smack of repression, according to the author.
***
In an interview for "24 Chassa", Lozan Panov, President of the Sofia Administrative Court says that the crisis has increased cases against the authorities, but it has brought down the number of divorces. More civil servants tend to file lawsuits after being laid-off. The number of cases instituted by the socially disadvantaged, the elderly and the disabled for bigger pensions and benefits remains the same. The number of legal disputes over tax is also unchanged. Cases over compensation for appropriated properties have doubled, according to Panov.
***
"Troud" reports that Anton the Hamster Petrov, who was one of the suspects held during Operation "Impudent" at the end of December 2009, was released on Thursday. Petrov who is claimed to be one of the masterminds of a kidnapping ring was released on a 20,000-leva bail by the Sofia Appellate Court. Just a week after the Sofia City Prosecution Office claimed that there was enough evidence incriminating Petrov of being part of the ring, the appellate panel found evidence against him inconclusive. Commenting the court's decision, Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov said that the 20,000-leva bail shows involvement with the ring.
***
"Hamster Takes a Bite at Themis," writes "Standart News". The Bulgarian independent court has once again baffled us when it comes to its "logical" decisions in regard to notorious figures of the underworld. Suspicions that something is off at the temple of Themis are growing stronger. It is obvious that one of the links in the chain consisting of the police, the prosecuting magistracy and the judiciary has failed and ordinary people are left with the impression that high-profile arrests are just for show.
***
"Sega" writes that on the votes of GERB Parliament adopted a controversial amendment to the Radio and Television Act which allows owners of advertising companies to apply for television broadcast licenses. So far they have been banned in order not to influence the TV advertising market. The revision was immediately called "the Gergov amendment", as it favors advertising boss Krassimir Gergov and he lobbied tirelessly for it.
***
In an interview for "Standart News", Minister without portfolio Bojidar Dimitrov says that Prime Minister Borissov would be bored if he were President. Dimitrov assures that corrupt officials of the Movement for Rights and Freedom are being investigated. Former agriculture minister Valeri Tsvetanov and two MPs of the Movement will be brought to court very soon. Of the crisis which the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) is undergoing, Dimitrov says that BSP is an old party and a good brand. It has been through many crises, but it remains uncertain how many votes it will be able to garner. Dimitrov even sees it gaining as little as two or three per cent of the vote because of its coalition with the Movement for Rights and Freedoms.
***
In a commentary, "Sega" notes that pre-GERB rightist parties are trying to sit between two stools. The Union of Democratic Forces (UDF) and Democrats for Strong Bulgaria (DSB) are backing GERB in words, but they take every opportunity to distance themselves from the ruling party and to sell them selves as the competent authentic Right. It is becoming clearer that by the end if his term Prime Minister Boyko Borissov will turn into a lonely long distance runner. His only loyal partner is the nationalist Ataka party, which suffers from lack of international recognition. At a certain point this might create problems for the cabinet. The sad thing for the UDF and DSB is that they don't have public resources to defend their ideas, even when they are good.
***
"SANS Enters Guantanamo," "Troud" reports. Bulgaria will take in just one Guantanamo inmate under a proposal of a joint working group of the Interior Ministry, the State Agency for National Security (SANS) and the Foreign Ministry. The government is set to reach a decision within a month. The proposal was announced Thursday by Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov at a meeting with the parliamentary committees on defense and internal security. However, before the decision is made, SANS officials will visit Guantanamo to obtain firsthand information, Tsvetanov said.
ECONOMY
"24 Chassa" writes that tobacco growers will receive 116 million leva in March, with a second installment in store around Christmas. The subsidy per one kilo of tobacco will be as much as in 2009, under an agreement signed Thursday between the Agriculture Ministry and the National Association of Tobacco Growers. Prime Minister Boyko Borissov called a late night meeting, after tobacco growers announced that they were calling off the blockades of the Bulgarian-Greek border.
***
"24 Chassa" carries an analysis on subsidized tobacco growing. Under the existing scheme, the amount of subsidies depends on the amount of produced tobacco, which seems fair at first glance. However, only 5 to 10 per cent of the whole tobacco output goes to Bulgarian cigarette factories, and the rest is exported. The companies that buy it know very well the price of a kilo of tobacco. They also know that tobacco growers receive subsidies and they wring their hands with low purchase prices, which the tobacco growers accept, as they know that they are entitled to subsidies. A new scheme should be put in place which will ensure that money goes directly to tobacco growers and will not subsidize middlemen and tobacco companies.
***
"Troud" reports that land deals have been suspended in a third of Bulgaria. In 92 municipalities the market of agricultural land has frozen for a second time in the past three months. All transactions have been suspended including those for lease of land after contracts with geodesic companies that prepare sketch maps expired and new companies are being contracted. In December, deals were temporarily unblocked after the Agriculture Ministry extended the old contracts until Christmas.
Links to some Bulgarian info websites in English:
· http://www.bta.bg/site/en/indexe.shtml
· http://www.novinite.com/index.php
· http://www.focus-fen.net/
Most discussed topics of the day – Sofia, January 29, 2010
· From February 1, the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) is cutting off cash for 21 municipal and private hospitals as part of the Health Ministry’s controversial and long-awaited hospital care reform plan. The NHIF decision, announced on January 26, means that these hospitals will have to rely on other sources of money – but, more likely, that they will close.
· After a freezing spell in which temperatures fell to - 28oC in some parts of Bulgaria, snow has now returned bringing difficult conditions in the Bulgarian capital Sofia.
12-27 cm of snow fell overnight in Sofia and Western parts of Bulgaria. The press center of the Sofia Municipality reported early Friday that snow clearing operations continued all night and the situation is under control.
Sofia, January 29
THE HOME SCENE
"Boris Velchev Defends Changes to Code of Criminal Procedure," "Troud writes. Changes to the Code of Criminal Procedure will untie the hands of the prosecuting magistracy. Any objections are "predictable and show fear," said Prosecutor General Boris Velchev on Thursday. He added that in Bulgaria people are much more afraid of the state than of criminals. He raised the question of what the prosecuting magistracy should be in a society with "a huge deficit of justice". Changes to the Code of Criminal Procedure were adopted in principle on Wednesday, but they were criticized harshly by MPs of the remaining four groups in Parliament: the Coalition for Bulgaria, the Movement for Rights and Freedoms, the Blue Coalition and Ataka.
***
"Troud" runs an editorial on the changes to the Code of Criminal Procedure (Better to Be Unpunished At Large than Innocent in Prison). For the first time during GERB's rule a support for a bill has been withdrawn for political reasons. The Code of Criminal Procedure institutes the role of the back-up lawyer who will replace a defense lawyer during an absence, irrespective of the reason, without the consent of the defendant. The irony is that a case will not be adjourned due to the absence of the defense lawyer, but it will when the back-up lawyer is absent. The Convention on Human Rights expressly states that a defendant has the right to choose a defense lawyer. The changes will see in the return of the "eternal defendant" after the scrap of a provision that cases should go to court after two years. The amendment is ridiculous against the backdrop of nearly 71,000,000 cases that were suspended after their statute of limitations ran out last year. The scrapping of the mandatory defense before the Supreme Court of Cassation, the limited access to cassation and retrial of criminal cases, and the weight given in court to anonymous tips and evidence obtained through special surveillance means smack of repression, according to the author.
***
In an interview for "24 Chassa", Lozan Panov, President of the Sofia Administrative Court says that the crisis has increased cases against the authorities, but it has brought down the number of divorces. More civil servants tend to file lawsuits after being laid-off. The number of cases instituted by the socially disadvantaged, the elderly and the disabled for bigger pensions and benefits remains the same. The number of legal disputes over tax is also unchanged. Cases over compensation for appropriated properties have doubled, according to Panov.
***
"Troud" reports that Anton the Hamster Petrov, who was one of the suspects held during Operation "Impudent" at the end of December 2009, was released on Thursday. Petrov who is claimed to be one of the masterminds of a kidnapping ring was released on a 20,000-leva bail by the Sofia Appellate Court. Just a week after the Sofia City Prosecution Office claimed that there was enough evidence incriminating Petrov of being part of the ring, the appellate panel found evidence against him inconclusive. Commenting the court's decision, Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov said that the 20,000-leva bail shows involvement with the ring.
***
"Hamster Takes a Bite at Themis," writes "Standart News". The Bulgarian independent court has once again baffled us when it comes to its "logical" decisions in regard to notorious figures of the underworld. Suspicions that something is off at the temple of Themis are growing stronger. It is obvious that one of the links in the chain consisting of the police, the prosecuting magistracy and the judiciary has failed and ordinary people are left with the impression that high-profile arrests are just for show.
***
"Sega" writes that on the votes of GERB Parliament adopted a controversial amendment to the Radio and Television Act which allows owners of advertising companies to apply for television broadcast licenses. So far they have been banned in order not to influence the TV advertising market. The revision was immediately called "the Gergov amendment", as it favors advertising boss Krassimir Gergov and he lobbied tirelessly for it.
***
In an interview for "Standart News", Minister without portfolio Bojidar Dimitrov says that Prime Minister Borissov would be bored if he were President. Dimitrov assures that corrupt officials of the Movement for Rights and Freedom are being investigated. Former agriculture minister Valeri Tsvetanov and two MPs of the Movement will be brought to court very soon. Of the crisis which the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) is undergoing, Dimitrov says that BSP is an old party and a good brand. It has been through many crises, but it remains uncertain how many votes it will be able to garner. Dimitrov even sees it gaining as little as two or three per cent of the vote because of its coalition with the Movement for Rights and Freedoms.
***
In a commentary, "Sega" notes that pre-GERB rightist parties are trying to sit between two stools. The Union of Democratic Forces (UDF) and Democrats for Strong Bulgaria (DSB) are backing GERB in words, but they take every opportunity to distance themselves from the ruling party and to sell them selves as the competent authentic Right. It is becoming clearer that by the end if his term Prime Minister Boyko Borissov will turn into a lonely long distance runner. His only loyal partner is the nationalist Ataka party, which suffers from lack of international recognition. At a certain point this might create problems for the cabinet. The sad thing for the UDF and DSB is that they don't have public resources to defend their ideas, even when they are good.
***
"SANS Enters Guantanamo," "Troud" reports. Bulgaria will take in just one Guantanamo inmate under a proposal of a joint working group of the Interior Ministry, the State Agency for National Security (SANS) and the Foreign Ministry. The government is set to reach a decision within a month. The proposal was announced Thursday by Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov at a meeting with the parliamentary committees on defense and internal security. However, before the decision is made, SANS officials will visit Guantanamo to obtain firsthand information, Tsvetanov said.
ECONOMY
"24 Chassa" writes that tobacco growers will receive 116 million leva in March, with a second installment in store around Christmas. The subsidy per one kilo of tobacco will be as much as in 2009, under an agreement signed Thursday between the Agriculture Ministry and the National Association of Tobacco Growers. Prime Minister Boyko Borissov called a late night meeting, after tobacco growers announced that they were calling off the blockades of the Bulgarian-Greek border.
***
"24 Chassa" carries an analysis on subsidized tobacco growing. Under the existing scheme, the amount of subsidies depends on the amount of produced tobacco, which seems fair at first glance. However, only 5 to 10 per cent of the whole tobacco output goes to Bulgarian cigarette factories, and the rest is exported. The companies that buy it know very well the price of a kilo of tobacco. They also know that tobacco growers receive subsidies and they wring their hands with low purchase prices, which the tobacco growers accept, as they know that they are entitled to subsidies. A new scheme should be put in place which will ensure that money goes directly to tobacco growers and will not subsidize middlemen and tobacco companies.
***
"Troud" reports that land deals have been suspended in a third of Bulgaria. In 92 municipalities the market of agricultural land has frozen for a second time in the past three months. All transactions have been suspended including those for lease of land after contracts with geodesic companies that prepare sketch maps expired and new companies are being contracted. In December, deals were temporarily unblocked after the Agriculture Ministry extended the old contracts until Christmas.
Links to some Bulgarian info websites in English:
· http://www.bta.bg/site/en/indexe.shtml
· http://www.novinite.com/index.php
· http://www.focus-fen.net/
Most discussed topics of the day – Sofia, January 29, 2010
· From February 1, the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) is cutting off cash for 21 municipal and private hospitals as part of the Health Ministry’s controversial and long-awaited hospital care reform plan. The NHIF decision, announced on January 26, means that these hospitals will have to rely on other sources of money – but, more likely, that they will close.
· After a freezing spell in which temperatures fell to - 28oC in some parts of Bulgaria, snow has now returned bringing difficult conditions in the Bulgarian capital Sofia.
12-27 cm of snow fell overnight in Sofia and Western parts of Bulgaria. The press center of the Sofia Municipality reported early Friday that snow clearing operations continued all night and the situation is under control.
torsdag den 28. januar 2010
Bulgarian press review, January 28, 2010
Press Review
Sofia, January 28
HOME SCENE
"Novinar" has interviewed Ilian Mihov, tipped as a future deputy prime minister, as saying that while he is a member of this government, changes in the currency board arrangement will not be on the agenda.
***
All dailies report that Boyko Borissov's proposal for cabinet changes was approved: Nickolay Mladenov and Anyu Angelov are the new ministers, respectively of foreign affairs and defence. Mladenov promised dialogue, Angelov pledged continuity, "Novinar" reports. This is the first time Borissov has said the changes were forced by the resignation of foreign minister Rumiana Jeleva, "who did not do well" as a commissioner-designate, the dailies say.
***
"Standart News" reports that deputy education minister Svetlana Lomeva was dismissed by Education Minister Sergei Ignatov, who was informed that Lomeva was not performing her duties. Allegedly, she did nothing to stop violations by the son of Sofia's ex-regional governor, Socialist Todor Modev. Ivan Modev is director of the Youth Programme at the Ministry.
***
Borissov wants his ministers to name the culprits for the problems with the EU, "Sega" says. "Dnevnik" writes that the ministers will report at every cabinet meeting how much has been paid out under the ISPA pre-accession programme and the operational programmes.
***
The daily stresses that the absorption of EU funding is one of the worst risks to the Bulgarian economy according to the convergence programme for the period until 2012. It is the document which will form a basis for discussion of Bulgaria's bid to join ERM 2 and the euro zone. Poor absorption carries a risk of lower growth and lower budget revenues. In contrast, good absorption would cause pressure on budget expenditures due to the required national co-financing. Still, the government prioritizes the absorption of EU funds, and the other priorities are the euro zone, a stable budget and high productivity.
***
At least 20,000 tobacco growers are staging a protest on Thursday, Asen Kyuchoukov, Chairman of the National Association of Tobacco Growers, says in "Troud". The protest is concentrated in Gotse Delchev, Haskovo and Rousse. "We want the [agriculture] minister to keep his promise, and we expect to be paid immediately the same amount as last year as agreed," the leader says. "Novinar" warns that the protesters are expected to block the border with Romania at the Danube Bridge and roads at Haskovo, Svilengrad, Gotse Delchev and Purvomai.
***
"Sega" reports that the Finance Ministry was shaken by the latest scandal over gambling tax. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Simeon Djankov said surprisingly on Wednesday that he is against a tax cut, although the Ministry's website has featured a bill of amendments to this effect for two weeks. Other ministries have been consulted about the bill and it is about to be introduced in the Council of Ministers. Gambling tax was raised two months ago after a monumental scandal, "Sega"says.
***
"Douma" quotes Regional Development Minister Rosen Plevneliev as saying that the government will start awarding concessions for the entire water and sewerage sector in 2011 because there is no financing for water mains replacement from Operational Programme Environment. The term of the concession contracts may be between 20 and 35 years.
***
"Monitor" quotes Borissov as saying that 200 million euro for the construction of the Danube Bridge may be lost due to poor management and the project's delay under former prime minister Sergei Stanishev. Borissov discussed this with his Romanian counterpart Emil Boc. The deadline is 2010 and Bulgaria will fail to use the EU money, Borissov said, reacting to Stanishev's criticism of the present government.
***
The closure of small hospitals is a high social price to pay and has next to no effect, "Sega" says.
***
Bulgarian military doctors have been offered monthly salaries of 36,000 dollars in Saudi Arabia, and between 15,000 and 20,000 dollars in Finland, Norway, Qatar and Oman, "Troud" says, quoting the director of the Military Medical Academy. General Stoyan Tonev says he received these offers within a week of meeting with the ambassadors of the five countries. At the same time general practitioners have not been paid their salaries for December yet.
***
"Telegraph" reports that Mariana Todorova, the lawyer of gangland bosses, including the Marinov brothers, also known as the Marguins, nearly died in a fire after unidentified persons set alight a tire in front of her door.
THE ECONOMY
"24 Chassa" quotes central bank statistics showing that 5,282 people were issued loans exceeding 1 million leva in 2009. Of them, 113 were borrowed by individuals, who took out a total of 202 million leva, 1,780,000 leva on average. In three years these borrowers increased fourfold. However, the credit crunch became evident in the summer when no bank issued a loan of over 1 million leva to a household. Corporate loans over that amount increased slightly, by 102 in three months, to 5,169.
***
"24 Chassa" assumes that the 11-day border blockade by Greek farmers has caused losses to both Bulgaria and Greece, while Turkey has gained from it. Since the border checkpoints at Koulata, Ilinden and Kapitan Petko Voivoda have been closed, the much liked Greek imports seabass and bream have been replaced with Turkish fish. Flower import has also been affected and roses are imported from the Netherlands only. "Zemya" reports that Brussels has threatened to penalize Greece. Spokesman Jonathan Todd is quoted as saying that the Greek authorities must notify the Commission and the EU countries of a road block which obstructs free movement and must provide detours, which did not happen.
***
In "24 Chassa" economists from the Centre for Liberal Strategies, the Institute of Market Economics, Industry Watch and other think-tanks advise against a budget deficit. A deficit puts the entire economy at risk, pushes up interest rates, shrinks investments, and euro zone membership may be postponed. If the government has outstanding debts, even if they were inherited from the previous government, they must be paid at the expense of other sectors, which are most ineffective and reforms have not made progress. Confidence takes time to build and the prudence of the post-1997 period will be blown to the wind if the government takes the easy way out as Greece did, casting a doubt on the future of the euro, the economists argue. A balanced budget is the only way to ensure budget responsibility, investments and economic growth.
FOREIGN POLICY
"Troud" says that after the EU showed sympathy in recent years for the outstanding issue of the property of Bulgarian refugees from Eastern Thrace and Asia Minor, now Brussels appears likely to be able to guarantee a solution, and Bulgarian diplomats should seize the opportunity. The daily learned that the speedy preparation of the next meeting of the Bulgarian-Turkish commission on outstanding issues will be high on Boyko Borissov's agenda during his visit to Turkey later this week.
***
Quoting "El Correo Gallego", "24 Chassa" writes about an emergency re-admission to hospital of Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha's eldest son, Kardam, who had a car crash in August 2008 and was in a coma. Kardam, 47, has improved since starting growth hormone treatment. He was hospitalized for breathing difficulties and strong fever.
Links to some Bulgarian info websites in English:
http://www.bta.bg/site/en/indexe.shtml
http://www.novinite.com/index.php
http://www.focus-fen.net/
Most discussed topics of the day – Sofia, January 28, 2010
· 380 000 Bulgarians have lost their rights to free healthcare after changes in the health insurance laws. If people want to regain their rights to free healthcare they will now have to re-pay all their outstanding health insurance payments as well as any interest incurred. On Monday there will be more accurate information for those who have paid their health insurance since of amendments the law now.
· An 18-year-old boy has died in Pirogov Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment and Emergency Aid. 18-year-old A.V. has been admitted to the hospital at 22:05 last evening. The boy had been shot in the head and died 15 minutes later. The incident occurred in the region of Central Railway Station in Sofia.
Sofia, January 28
HOME SCENE
"Novinar" has interviewed Ilian Mihov, tipped as a future deputy prime minister, as saying that while he is a member of this government, changes in the currency board arrangement will not be on the agenda.
***
All dailies report that Boyko Borissov's proposal for cabinet changes was approved: Nickolay Mladenov and Anyu Angelov are the new ministers, respectively of foreign affairs and defence. Mladenov promised dialogue, Angelov pledged continuity, "Novinar" reports. This is the first time Borissov has said the changes were forced by the resignation of foreign minister Rumiana Jeleva, "who did not do well" as a commissioner-designate, the dailies say.
***
"Standart News" reports that deputy education minister Svetlana Lomeva was dismissed by Education Minister Sergei Ignatov, who was informed that Lomeva was not performing her duties. Allegedly, she did nothing to stop violations by the son of Sofia's ex-regional governor, Socialist Todor Modev. Ivan Modev is director of the Youth Programme at the Ministry.
***
Borissov wants his ministers to name the culprits for the problems with the EU, "Sega" says. "Dnevnik" writes that the ministers will report at every cabinet meeting how much has been paid out under the ISPA pre-accession programme and the operational programmes.
***
The daily stresses that the absorption of EU funding is one of the worst risks to the Bulgarian economy according to the convergence programme for the period until 2012. It is the document which will form a basis for discussion of Bulgaria's bid to join ERM 2 and the euro zone. Poor absorption carries a risk of lower growth and lower budget revenues. In contrast, good absorption would cause pressure on budget expenditures due to the required national co-financing. Still, the government prioritizes the absorption of EU funds, and the other priorities are the euro zone, a stable budget and high productivity.
***
At least 20,000 tobacco growers are staging a protest on Thursday, Asen Kyuchoukov, Chairman of the National Association of Tobacco Growers, says in "Troud". The protest is concentrated in Gotse Delchev, Haskovo and Rousse. "We want the [agriculture] minister to keep his promise, and we expect to be paid immediately the same amount as last year as agreed," the leader says. "Novinar" warns that the protesters are expected to block the border with Romania at the Danube Bridge and roads at Haskovo, Svilengrad, Gotse Delchev and Purvomai.
***
"Sega" reports that the Finance Ministry was shaken by the latest scandal over gambling tax. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Simeon Djankov said surprisingly on Wednesday that he is against a tax cut, although the Ministry's website has featured a bill of amendments to this effect for two weeks. Other ministries have been consulted about the bill and it is about to be introduced in the Council of Ministers. Gambling tax was raised two months ago after a monumental scandal, "Sega"says.
***
"Douma" quotes Regional Development Minister Rosen Plevneliev as saying that the government will start awarding concessions for the entire water and sewerage sector in 2011 because there is no financing for water mains replacement from Operational Programme Environment. The term of the concession contracts may be between 20 and 35 years.
***
"Monitor" quotes Borissov as saying that 200 million euro for the construction of the Danube Bridge may be lost due to poor management and the project's delay under former prime minister Sergei Stanishev. Borissov discussed this with his Romanian counterpart Emil Boc. The deadline is 2010 and Bulgaria will fail to use the EU money, Borissov said, reacting to Stanishev's criticism of the present government.
***
The closure of small hospitals is a high social price to pay and has next to no effect, "Sega" says.
***
Bulgarian military doctors have been offered monthly salaries of 36,000 dollars in Saudi Arabia, and between 15,000 and 20,000 dollars in Finland, Norway, Qatar and Oman, "Troud" says, quoting the director of the Military Medical Academy. General Stoyan Tonev says he received these offers within a week of meeting with the ambassadors of the five countries. At the same time general practitioners have not been paid their salaries for December yet.
***
"Telegraph" reports that Mariana Todorova, the lawyer of gangland bosses, including the Marinov brothers, also known as the Marguins, nearly died in a fire after unidentified persons set alight a tire in front of her door.
THE ECONOMY
"24 Chassa" quotes central bank statistics showing that 5,282 people were issued loans exceeding 1 million leva in 2009. Of them, 113 were borrowed by individuals, who took out a total of 202 million leva, 1,780,000 leva on average. In three years these borrowers increased fourfold. However, the credit crunch became evident in the summer when no bank issued a loan of over 1 million leva to a household. Corporate loans over that amount increased slightly, by 102 in three months, to 5,169.
***
"24 Chassa" assumes that the 11-day border blockade by Greek farmers has caused losses to both Bulgaria and Greece, while Turkey has gained from it. Since the border checkpoints at Koulata, Ilinden and Kapitan Petko Voivoda have been closed, the much liked Greek imports seabass and bream have been replaced with Turkish fish. Flower import has also been affected and roses are imported from the Netherlands only. "Zemya" reports that Brussels has threatened to penalize Greece. Spokesman Jonathan Todd is quoted as saying that the Greek authorities must notify the Commission and the EU countries of a road block which obstructs free movement and must provide detours, which did not happen.
***
In "24 Chassa" economists from the Centre for Liberal Strategies, the Institute of Market Economics, Industry Watch and other think-tanks advise against a budget deficit. A deficit puts the entire economy at risk, pushes up interest rates, shrinks investments, and euro zone membership may be postponed. If the government has outstanding debts, even if they were inherited from the previous government, they must be paid at the expense of other sectors, which are most ineffective and reforms have not made progress. Confidence takes time to build and the prudence of the post-1997 period will be blown to the wind if the government takes the easy way out as Greece did, casting a doubt on the future of the euro, the economists argue. A balanced budget is the only way to ensure budget responsibility, investments and economic growth.
FOREIGN POLICY
"Troud" says that after the EU showed sympathy in recent years for the outstanding issue of the property of Bulgarian refugees from Eastern Thrace and Asia Minor, now Brussels appears likely to be able to guarantee a solution, and Bulgarian diplomats should seize the opportunity. The daily learned that the speedy preparation of the next meeting of the Bulgarian-Turkish commission on outstanding issues will be high on Boyko Borissov's agenda during his visit to Turkey later this week.
***
Quoting "El Correo Gallego", "24 Chassa" writes about an emergency re-admission to hospital of Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha's eldest son, Kardam, who had a car crash in August 2008 and was in a coma. Kardam, 47, has improved since starting growth hormone treatment. He was hospitalized for breathing difficulties and strong fever.
Links to some Bulgarian info websites in English:
http://www.bta.bg/site/en/indexe.shtml
http://www.novinite.com/index.php
http://www.focus-fen.net/
Most discussed topics of the day – Sofia, January 28, 2010
· 380 000 Bulgarians have lost their rights to free healthcare after changes in the health insurance laws. If people want to regain their rights to free healthcare they will now have to re-pay all their outstanding health insurance payments as well as any interest incurred. On Monday there will be more accurate information for those who have paid their health insurance since of amendments the law now.
· An 18-year-old boy has died in Pirogov Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment and Emergency Aid. 18-year-old A.V. has been admitted to the hospital at 22:05 last evening. The boy had been shot in the head and died 15 minutes later. The incident occurred in the region of Central Railway Station in Sofia.
onsdag den 27. januar 2010
Bulgarian press review, January 27, 2010
Press Review
Sofia, January 27
THE HOME SCENE
"24 Chassa" quotes GERB Floor Co-leader Iskra Fidossova as saying that "there are no plans for a debate on the Cabinet changes," referring to Wednesday's election by Parliament of Nickolay Mladenov as Foreign Minister and of Anyu Angelov as Defence Minister. "As if anticipating GERB's intention to cut short the procedure, the MRF [Movement for Rights and Freedoms] yesterday urgently took exception to the idea. 'The BSP [Bulgarian Socialist Party] will insist on a debate," said the Deputy Floor Leader of the left-wing parliamentary group Mihail Mikov. Meanwhile, the UDF [Union of Democratic Forces] yesterday lashed out against future deputy prime minister Ilian Mihov. The UDF argues that oligarchy in Bulgaria has three objectives: to bring down the currency board arrangement, to frustrate the adoption of the euro, and to build the Belene N-plant. Mihov backs the first two ideas," "24 Chassa" writes.
* * *
"Prime Minister Boyko Borissov's difficulties with The Blue [Coalition] erupted in connection with his backing of Stanishev's deputy prime minister Meglena Plougchieva for a senior position at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development," political scientist Evgenii Dainov writes in a comment in "Troud." "In reality, it is all about undercurrents of self-identification of both Borissov and The Blue. The PM has opted for a strategy of keeping up his image as a national leader by demonstrating a statesmanlike suprapartisan behaviour rather than through political manoeuvring. The Blue Coalition, too, is seeking a new image and a clearer political role. Both Borissov and The Blue, however, find themselves at a disadvantage due to the lack of sustained dialogue, as well as exaggerating various happenings."
* * *
"Douma" quotes BSP leader Sergei Stanishev as saying on Tuesday that "the Cabinet changes contemplated by Boyko Borissov are inadequate and do not live up to public expectations. To live up to these expectations, the PM must part with at least three ministers: Finance Minister Simeon Djankov, Health Minister Bozhidar Nanev, and Environment Minister Nona Karadjova." The BSP will not back the Cabinet changes when they are put to the vote in Parliament on Wednesday.
* * *
"Troud" reports that UDF leader Martin Dimitrov told journalists on Tuesday that his party will compile a list of BSP and MRF bureaucrats who must be dismissed and will give the list to Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. The Blue attacked GERB for keeping for months now some notoriously incompetent representatives of the BSP and the MRF in senior positions, such as Energy Efficiency Agency chief Tasko Ermenkov. "If people believed that the BSP and MRF cadres in the administration were doing a good job, they would have voted for them," Dimitrov said, reasoning his demand for a purge.
* * *
"24 Chassa" frontpages the news that MRF leader Ahmed Dogan Tuesday assumed a new self-imposed responsibility: he will be in charge of "economic priorities, investment policy and new technology" in the Movement's Central Operative Bureau. "For the first time, Dogan took part personally and on an equal footing with the rest in the allocation of responsibilities, which are called 'panels' in the MRF. He chose his area of responsibility by himself. "Our ambition is that it will outline governance priorities with a view to seeking a national vision for the country's development," MRF Deputy Chairman Hristo Bisserov explained.
* * *
For the time being, GERB is adamant in its demand that the services and the Interior Ministry be able to require telephone and Internet traffic data not only in the case of serious offences (punishable by over five years' imprisonment), it emerges from modifications introduced by the ruling party before the second reading of the amendments to the Electronic Communications Act, "Troud" reports. "GERB insists on lifting the confidentiality of correspondence for lesser offences as well. The Right and the MRF, however, continue to argue that including other offences in addition to the serious ones is unconstitutional."
* * *
Under the heading "170 Hospitals Consigned to History," "Sega" writes that half of the hospitals in Bulgaria will probably cease to exist before the end of this year. Twenty-one medical-treatment facilities did not qualify for a contract with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) for 2010 and have no alternative source of financing. Another 158 concluded contracts for an average 48 per cent fewer clinical pathways, which calls their survival into question. One hundred and ninety hospitals are not threatened with extinction. The figures were reported by the NHIF now that contracting for 2010 is almost complete.
* * *
"Monitor" reports that by this summer at the latest, there will be a three-pillar health insurance model. National Assembly Health Committee Chairman Luchezar Ivanov said on Tuesday that during its summer session, the National Assembly will adopt the requisite revisions of the law to regulate the establishment of supplementary compulsory health insurance companies. At present health care is underfunded by nearly 2,500-3,000 million leva, the MP argued.
ECONOMY
"If there are companies which have planned a 10 per cent corruption tax and admit this, let them be so kind as to reduce the amount of their receivable," former finance minister Milen Velchev says in a "Troud" interview, commenting on a statement by Prime Minister Boyko Borissov that if the companies reduce the amounts due to them by the State by 10 per cent, they will get their money immediately. "But reducing them all to a common denominator and forcing them to operate at a loss is not only unfair, it is dishonest."
* * *
"The prices of electricity will vary with service quality," "Sega" reports. This is envisaged in a revision of the Ordinance on Pricing which will be approved by the State Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (SEWRC). SEWRC Chairman Angel Semerdjiev said he expects electricity prices to rise by up to 5 per cent as from July 1.
* * *
"Standart News" writes that bad loans continued to increase in December 2009, reaching a proportion of 10.60 per cent. For the frist time in Bulgaria, overdue housing loans have also surpassed the 10 per cent barrier. Non-performing loans have increased for all types of products. Corporate debts are overdue in 9.98 per cent of the cases, and consumer credit defaults stand at 12.25 per cent.
FOREIGN POLICY
"A war is going on Afghanistan - for you and for us," the newly appointed US Ambassador in Sofia James Warlick says in a "Troud" interview. "Our partnership is based on jointly addressing matters which are important for both countries. International peace and security are precisely such matters. They are as important for Bulgarians as they are for Americans. The threats we are facing in today's world are not just against the US, they are against everybody. That is why we are working together in places like Afghanistan. I expect this cooperation to be promoted during my ambassadorship here," Warlick adds.
* * *
"Borissov brings three things in his suitcase from Berlin," "24 Chassa" comments, referring to the PM's visit to Germany. "The confidence and support demonstrated on the part of Angela Merkel calls for a response on the part of Bulgaria. Germany appreciated what the new Government has done so far. Both Berlin and Europe, however, want to see more. Whatever assistance Borissov asked for, he was assured that what is possible will be done. For his part, he must do even the impossible on his tasks: getting Bulgaria back to the normal European family."
* * *
"Borissov Found His Match in Merkel," "Sega" comments. "If anybody has doubted that Borissov and GERB are to a certain extent a project of Merkel, there is no more room for hesitation. 'I can assure you that the new Bulgaria Government will work in such a way that you will not be ashamed of having backed us,' Borissov said, as if the German Chancellor had appointed him to the job. It emerged that the PM went to Germany together with half of his Cabinet not to hold any negotiations but to submit a summing-up. Borissov took along his closest aides to parade the people with whom he does the German bidding. What actually took place in Berlin was not negotiatons between two states but a review of the situation in Bulgaria. Merkel's promise to visit on October 12 is not a protocol courtesy but a deadline by which she expects to see something more significant."
Links to some Bulgarian info websites in English:
http://www.bta.bg/site/en/indexe.shtml
http://www.novinite.com/index.php
http://www.focus-fen.net/
Most discussed topics of the day – Sofia, January 27, 2010
· With 127 votes in favour, Bulgaria's Parliament approved on January 27 2010 the appointment of Nikolai Mladenov as the country's new Foreign Minister. Mladenov moves to the new post after having been Defence Minister. Parliament also approved the promotion of Mladenov's deputy at the Defence Ministry, Anyu Angelov, to Defence Minister.
· The roads in Greece are blocked in more than 25 places and there is a changeable schedule of the blockades. The losses Bulgaria has suffered up to now are estimated at over EUR 40 million. The associations of tax and customs officials have announced they are ready to stage a strike in February
Sofia, January 27
THE HOME SCENE
"24 Chassa" quotes GERB Floor Co-leader Iskra Fidossova as saying that "there are no plans for a debate on the Cabinet changes," referring to Wednesday's election by Parliament of Nickolay Mladenov as Foreign Minister and of Anyu Angelov as Defence Minister. "As if anticipating GERB's intention to cut short the procedure, the MRF [Movement for Rights and Freedoms] yesterday urgently took exception to the idea. 'The BSP [Bulgarian Socialist Party] will insist on a debate," said the Deputy Floor Leader of the left-wing parliamentary group Mihail Mikov. Meanwhile, the UDF [Union of Democratic Forces] yesterday lashed out against future deputy prime minister Ilian Mihov. The UDF argues that oligarchy in Bulgaria has three objectives: to bring down the currency board arrangement, to frustrate the adoption of the euro, and to build the Belene N-plant. Mihov backs the first two ideas," "24 Chassa" writes.
* * *
"Prime Minister Boyko Borissov's difficulties with The Blue [Coalition] erupted in connection with his backing of Stanishev's deputy prime minister Meglena Plougchieva for a senior position at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development," political scientist Evgenii Dainov writes in a comment in "Troud." "In reality, it is all about undercurrents of self-identification of both Borissov and The Blue. The PM has opted for a strategy of keeping up his image as a national leader by demonstrating a statesmanlike suprapartisan behaviour rather than through political manoeuvring. The Blue Coalition, too, is seeking a new image and a clearer political role. Both Borissov and The Blue, however, find themselves at a disadvantage due to the lack of sustained dialogue, as well as exaggerating various happenings."
* * *
"Douma" quotes BSP leader Sergei Stanishev as saying on Tuesday that "the Cabinet changes contemplated by Boyko Borissov are inadequate and do not live up to public expectations. To live up to these expectations, the PM must part with at least three ministers: Finance Minister Simeon Djankov, Health Minister Bozhidar Nanev, and Environment Minister Nona Karadjova." The BSP will not back the Cabinet changes when they are put to the vote in Parliament on Wednesday.
* * *
"Troud" reports that UDF leader Martin Dimitrov told journalists on Tuesday that his party will compile a list of BSP and MRF bureaucrats who must be dismissed and will give the list to Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. The Blue attacked GERB for keeping for months now some notoriously incompetent representatives of the BSP and the MRF in senior positions, such as Energy Efficiency Agency chief Tasko Ermenkov. "If people believed that the BSP and MRF cadres in the administration were doing a good job, they would have voted for them," Dimitrov said, reasoning his demand for a purge.
* * *
"24 Chassa" frontpages the news that MRF leader Ahmed Dogan Tuesday assumed a new self-imposed responsibility: he will be in charge of "economic priorities, investment policy and new technology" in the Movement's Central Operative Bureau. "For the first time, Dogan took part personally and on an equal footing with the rest in the allocation of responsibilities, which are called 'panels' in the MRF. He chose his area of responsibility by himself. "Our ambition is that it will outline governance priorities with a view to seeking a national vision for the country's development," MRF Deputy Chairman Hristo Bisserov explained.
* * *
For the time being, GERB is adamant in its demand that the services and the Interior Ministry be able to require telephone and Internet traffic data not only in the case of serious offences (punishable by over five years' imprisonment), it emerges from modifications introduced by the ruling party before the second reading of the amendments to the Electronic Communications Act, "Troud" reports. "GERB insists on lifting the confidentiality of correspondence for lesser offences as well. The Right and the MRF, however, continue to argue that including other offences in addition to the serious ones is unconstitutional."
* * *
Under the heading "170 Hospitals Consigned to History," "Sega" writes that half of the hospitals in Bulgaria will probably cease to exist before the end of this year. Twenty-one medical-treatment facilities did not qualify for a contract with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) for 2010 and have no alternative source of financing. Another 158 concluded contracts for an average 48 per cent fewer clinical pathways, which calls their survival into question. One hundred and ninety hospitals are not threatened with extinction. The figures were reported by the NHIF now that contracting for 2010 is almost complete.
* * *
"Monitor" reports that by this summer at the latest, there will be a three-pillar health insurance model. National Assembly Health Committee Chairman Luchezar Ivanov said on Tuesday that during its summer session, the National Assembly will adopt the requisite revisions of the law to regulate the establishment of supplementary compulsory health insurance companies. At present health care is underfunded by nearly 2,500-3,000 million leva, the MP argued.
ECONOMY
"If there are companies which have planned a 10 per cent corruption tax and admit this, let them be so kind as to reduce the amount of their receivable," former finance minister Milen Velchev says in a "Troud" interview, commenting on a statement by Prime Minister Boyko Borissov that if the companies reduce the amounts due to them by the State by 10 per cent, they will get their money immediately. "But reducing them all to a common denominator and forcing them to operate at a loss is not only unfair, it is dishonest."
* * *
"The prices of electricity will vary with service quality," "Sega" reports. This is envisaged in a revision of the Ordinance on Pricing which will be approved by the State Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (SEWRC). SEWRC Chairman Angel Semerdjiev said he expects electricity prices to rise by up to 5 per cent as from July 1.
* * *
"Standart News" writes that bad loans continued to increase in December 2009, reaching a proportion of 10.60 per cent. For the frist time in Bulgaria, overdue housing loans have also surpassed the 10 per cent barrier. Non-performing loans have increased for all types of products. Corporate debts are overdue in 9.98 per cent of the cases, and consumer credit defaults stand at 12.25 per cent.
FOREIGN POLICY
"A war is going on Afghanistan - for you and for us," the newly appointed US Ambassador in Sofia James Warlick says in a "Troud" interview. "Our partnership is based on jointly addressing matters which are important for both countries. International peace and security are precisely such matters. They are as important for Bulgarians as they are for Americans. The threats we are facing in today's world are not just against the US, they are against everybody. That is why we are working together in places like Afghanistan. I expect this cooperation to be promoted during my ambassadorship here," Warlick adds.
* * *
"Borissov brings three things in his suitcase from Berlin," "24 Chassa" comments, referring to the PM's visit to Germany. "The confidence and support demonstrated on the part of Angela Merkel calls for a response on the part of Bulgaria. Germany appreciated what the new Government has done so far. Both Berlin and Europe, however, want to see more. Whatever assistance Borissov asked for, he was assured that what is possible will be done. For his part, he must do even the impossible on his tasks: getting Bulgaria back to the normal European family."
* * *
"Borissov Found His Match in Merkel," "Sega" comments. "If anybody has doubted that Borissov and GERB are to a certain extent a project of Merkel, there is no more room for hesitation. 'I can assure you that the new Bulgaria Government will work in such a way that you will not be ashamed of having backed us,' Borissov said, as if the German Chancellor had appointed him to the job. It emerged that the PM went to Germany together with half of his Cabinet not to hold any negotiations but to submit a summing-up. Borissov took along his closest aides to parade the people with whom he does the German bidding. What actually took place in Berlin was not negotiatons between two states but a review of the situation in Bulgaria. Merkel's promise to visit on October 12 is not a protocol courtesy but a deadline by which she expects to see something more significant."
Links to some Bulgarian info websites in English:
http://www.bta.bg/site/en/indexe.shtml
http://www.novinite.com/index.php
http://www.focus-fen.net/
Most discussed topics of the day – Sofia, January 27, 2010
· With 127 votes in favour, Bulgaria's Parliament approved on January 27 2010 the appointment of Nikolai Mladenov as the country's new Foreign Minister. Mladenov moves to the new post after having been Defence Minister. Parliament also approved the promotion of Mladenov's deputy at the Defence Ministry, Anyu Angelov, to Defence Minister.
· The roads in Greece are blocked in more than 25 places and there is a changeable schedule of the blockades. The losses Bulgaria has suffered up to now are estimated at over EUR 40 million. The associations of tax and customs officials have announced they are ready to stage a strike in February
tirsdag den 26. januar 2010
Bulgarian press review, January 26, 2010
Press Review
Sofia, January 26
FOREIGN POLICY
The press leads on the rocket attack on Afghanistan's Kandahar Airport in which three Bulgarian servicemen received severe injuries. "Bulgarian ranger is in coma after a Taliban attack in Afghanistan," writes "Novinar". "Troud" has an interview with outgoing Defence Minister Nickolay Mladenov where he provides details about the condition of the three servicemen.
***
"24 Chassa" quotes knowledgeable sources as saying that the presence of Defence Minister Mladenov in Kandahar provoked the attack. Security experts tell this paper that the outgoing defence minister and future Bulgarian foreign minister broke the basic safety rules. First, he gave publicity to his visit immediately after landing in Kabul. Second, he went on an unprecedented five-day visit while all his predecessors and counterparts of other countries which have troops there fly in the night, do their job during the day and fly back home in the evening. Third, it was too big a risk to stay at the Kandahar base, especially when it was too easy to figure out where he was headed after Kabul (to Kandahar, where Bulgaria has the biggest contingent).
***
Deputy Defence Minister Anyu Angelov tells "Standard News" that Mladenov's visit was kept a secret until the last momnent.
***
The Tuesday press provides coverage of the Berlin visit of Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. A sample of headlines: "Merkel Commends PM Borissov's European Policy" ("Troud"), "German Investment on Condition of Judicial Reforms" ("24 Chassa"), "Merkel Gives Support for Euro, Schengen" ("Telegraf").
***
The Bulgarian authorities have long been aware of the problems in the water sector and the latest letter by Dirk Ahner, the Director General at the Directorate General for Regional Policy in the European Commission, was only a reminder, this DG's Spokesman, Dennis Abbott, told "Dnevnik". The remark was prompted by Prime Minister Borissov's statement of Sunday that the previous government kept secret the letters it got from Brussels warning it of problems with the EU funding for the water sector. Abbot is quotes as saying that all facts in Ahner's letter are known as they have repeatedly been discussed at meetings of the new Bulgarian administration and Commission experts. A "Sega" analysis says that the hiden-the-letter game does not excuse Borissov's government and smears Bulgaria's image.
***
"Troud" carries an interview with Greek Ambassador Danae-Madeleine Koumanakou who says that the actions of the protesting Greek farmers are an expression of the democratic principles underlying the functioning of Greece and are not aimed against Bulgaria, which is a friendly neighbouring country. She said that the Greek government is urging dialogue with the protesters and wants to resolve the problems and see the blockade of the Bulgarian-Greek border lifted the soonest possible.
***
A front-page story in "Klassa" says that the losses the border blockade is causing Bulgarian businesses are snowballing and have likely crossed the 80 million leva mark.
***
The commission in charge of opening the secret files of the communist-era State Security service will run a check for Kristalina Georgieva, the Bulgarian EU Commissioner-designate, Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov said Monday. The check is aimed to dispell suspicions about her affiliation with the communist services and will be done with Georgieva's consent.
***
In "24 Chassa", Prime Minister Borissov explains his support for the application of former Deputy Prime Minister Meglena Plougchieva (in the Sergei Stanishev government) for a senior position at the EBRD, with his belief that Bulgarians holding high offices "will have one eye on Bulgaria". This is the Prime Minister's response to criticism that he shouldn't have supported a person who has been part of the previous government.
***
In a "Troud" interview, Swedish Ambassador Paul Beijer provides details on his country's plans to close down embassies and open new ones. The Swedish Embassy in Sofia will close on September 30. "In Sweden, like in Bulgaria, budgetary discipline is strictly observed and this involves difficult decisions," he says.The Sofia office of the Swedish Trade Council remains. An honorary consulate will be establish to deal with visa issues for non-Bulgarians.
JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS
The cases of three ministers of the Stanishev government - Emilia Maslarova (Labour and Social Policy), Nikolai Tsonev (Defence) and Valeri Tsvetanov (Agriculture), are about to enter the trial phase, says "Troud". Sofia city prosecutor Nikolai Kokinov reportedly said that the malfeasance-in-office investigation against Maslarova will be completed in early February. He would not say whether or not she will be indicted but sources of the prosecuting magistracy are adamant that Maslarova broke the Public Procurement Act. Tsvetanov's case for unlawful land swaps will enter the court two weeks from now. The paper adds that the former head of the National Revenue Agency, Maria Mourgina, will be tried for four offences, including tax evasion.
***
In a "Troud" interview, Kokinov says that all members of the Naglite [Impudent] kidnapping group are facing trial. He says that 10 people have been arrested in this case and most of them are willing to cooperate, trying to downplay their own role in the ring and aggravate the situation of their mates.
THE HOME SCENE
"Douma" ("40 Years of Service for Pension"), "Dnevnik" ("Pensions' Dilemma: at 63 or 65 Years") and "Sega" ("Dramatic Increase of Required Length of Service for Pension") lead on contemplated changes in the pension system concerning the age of retirement and the amount of pensions. The changes were proposed by an advisory board on the pension reform and were made public Monday by Labour Minister Totyu Mladenov.
***
"Dnevnik" reports that the government is willing to allow an increase of the budget deficit to 1.7 per cent of the expected GDP. The extraordinary expenses will be for payment of outstanding liabilities to the private sector.
***
The next six months will be decisive for making tangible the effect from EU funding, Centre for Economic Development head Georgi Prohaski says in a "Klassa" interview. He does not expects problems with achieving the revenue target in the national budget and even sees a likelyhood of surplus.
***
The real estate market is faced with a new collapse because of mortgaged homes: 37 per cent of home sellers experienced financial problems last year, "Klassa" says on its front page. The market could be flooded by offers of bank-owned homes and this will push prices further down and cause a collapse in the real estate business, says Tsevtelina Tasseva, CEO of the real estate broker Address. Experts say that an increasing number of banks are considering the establishment of own home brokerage units to sell mortgaged homes.
***
"Troud" reports that 231 schools in Northern and Eastern Bulgaria will be closed for cold days. The temperatures reached record-setting lows in eight towns. It was worst in Glavinitsa in Northeastern Bulgaria which had minus 29 C (down from the previous record of minus 26 C in 1982).
***
In a side effect of the cold spell, traffic police no longer use batons to stop cars for inspection: they stop them by using the lights and siren of the patrol car - and stay inside the patrol car, "24 Chassa" reports. That has been allowed by the law for many years now but is being put into practice only recently as temperatures plemmetted below zero.
Links to some Bulgarian info websites in English:
http://www.bta.bg/site/en/indexe.shtml
http://www.novinite.com/index.php
http://www.focus-fen.net/
Most discussed topics of the day – Sofia, January 26, 2010
· Bulgarian Defense Minister Nikolay Mladenov has called Taliban claims that the rocket attack on the NATO Air Base in Kandahar was targeted personally at him “absurd”. The three injured Bulgarian troops have not been transported to the military hospital in Landstuhl in Germany yet. It is still not clear when that will happen. The forth injured - Sergent Aleksandrov, who is said to be in the worst condition, is stable, but still on life support.
· Bulgaria's Transport Ministry has advised Bulgarian citizens not to undertake travels to Greece as the protests by Greek farmers against falling subsidies entered into a second week and their stand toughened. At 11:00 p.m. the Greek farmers again blocked Promachonas checkpoint and no trucks are allowed to cross the border at Kulata checkpoint. Cars and buses can cross it freely. There is no information when the blockade will be lifted.
· Bulgaria's new centre-right government will launch a procedure for new private investors for its majority stake in the planned Belene nuclear power plant by the end of the year. There was reportedly renewed interest by big German energy companies to participate in Bulgarian projects. Representatives of these companies were to start negotiations in Sofia next week.
Sofia, January 26
FOREIGN POLICY
The press leads on the rocket attack on Afghanistan's Kandahar Airport in which three Bulgarian servicemen received severe injuries. "Bulgarian ranger is in coma after a Taliban attack in Afghanistan," writes "Novinar". "Troud" has an interview with outgoing Defence Minister Nickolay Mladenov where he provides details about the condition of the three servicemen.
***
"24 Chassa" quotes knowledgeable sources as saying that the presence of Defence Minister Mladenov in Kandahar provoked the attack. Security experts tell this paper that the outgoing defence minister and future Bulgarian foreign minister broke the basic safety rules. First, he gave publicity to his visit immediately after landing in Kabul. Second, he went on an unprecedented five-day visit while all his predecessors and counterparts of other countries which have troops there fly in the night, do their job during the day and fly back home in the evening. Third, it was too big a risk to stay at the Kandahar base, especially when it was too easy to figure out where he was headed after Kabul (to Kandahar, where Bulgaria has the biggest contingent).
***
Deputy Defence Minister Anyu Angelov tells "Standard News" that Mladenov's visit was kept a secret until the last momnent.
***
The Tuesday press provides coverage of the Berlin visit of Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. A sample of headlines: "Merkel Commends PM Borissov's European Policy" ("Troud"), "German Investment on Condition of Judicial Reforms" ("24 Chassa"), "Merkel Gives Support for Euro, Schengen" ("Telegraf").
***
The Bulgarian authorities have long been aware of the problems in the water sector and the latest letter by Dirk Ahner, the Director General at the Directorate General for Regional Policy in the European Commission, was only a reminder, this DG's Spokesman, Dennis Abbott, told "Dnevnik". The remark was prompted by Prime Minister Borissov's statement of Sunday that the previous government kept secret the letters it got from Brussels warning it of problems with the EU funding for the water sector. Abbot is quotes as saying that all facts in Ahner's letter are known as they have repeatedly been discussed at meetings of the new Bulgarian administration and Commission experts. A "Sega" analysis says that the hiden-the-letter game does not excuse Borissov's government and smears Bulgaria's image.
***
"Troud" carries an interview with Greek Ambassador Danae-Madeleine Koumanakou who says that the actions of the protesting Greek farmers are an expression of the democratic principles underlying the functioning of Greece and are not aimed against Bulgaria, which is a friendly neighbouring country. She said that the Greek government is urging dialogue with the protesters and wants to resolve the problems and see the blockade of the Bulgarian-Greek border lifted the soonest possible.
***
A front-page story in "Klassa" says that the losses the border blockade is causing Bulgarian businesses are snowballing and have likely crossed the 80 million leva mark.
***
The commission in charge of opening the secret files of the communist-era State Security service will run a check for Kristalina Georgieva, the Bulgarian EU Commissioner-designate, Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov said Monday. The check is aimed to dispell suspicions about her affiliation with the communist services and will be done with Georgieva's consent.
***
In "24 Chassa", Prime Minister Borissov explains his support for the application of former Deputy Prime Minister Meglena Plougchieva (in the Sergei Stanishev government) for a senior position at the EBRD, with his belief that Bulgarians holding high offices "will have one eye on Bulgaria". This is the Prime Minister's response to criticism that he shouldn't have supported a person who has been part of the previous government.
***
In a "Troud" interview, Swedish Ambassador Paul Beijer provides details on his country's plans to close down embassies and open new ones. The Swedish Embassy in Sofia will close on September 30. "In Sweden, like in Bulgaria, budgetary discipline is strictly observed and this involves difficult decisions," he says.The Sofia office of the Swedish Trade Council remains. An honorary consulate will be establish to deal with visa issues for non-Bulgarians.
JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS
The cases of three ministers of the Stanishev government - Emilia Maslarova (Labour and Social Policy), Nikolai Tsonev (Defence) and Valeri Tsvetanov (Agriculture), are about to enter the trial phase, says "Troud". Sofia city prosecutor Nikolai Kokinov reportedly said that the malfeasance-in-office investigation against Maslarova will be completed in early February. He would not say whether or not she will be indicted but sources of the prosecuting magistracy are adamant that Maslarova broke the Public Procurement Act. Tsvetanov's case for unlawful land swaps will enter the court two weeks from now. The paper adds that the former head of the National Revenue Agency, Maria Mourgina, will be tried for four offences, including tax evasion.
***
In a "Troud" interview, Kokinov says that all members of the Naglite [Impudent] kidnapping group are facing trial. He says that 10 people have been arrested in this case and most of them are willing to cooperate, trying to downplay their own role in the ring and aggravate the situation of their mates.
THE HOME SCENE
"Douma" ("40 Years of Service for Pension"), "Dnevnik" ("Pensions' Dilemma: at 63 or 65 Years") and "Sega" ("Dramatic Increase of Required Length of Service for Pension") lead on contemplated changes in the pension system concerning the age of retirement and the amount of pensions. The changes were proposed by an advisory board on the pension reform and were made public Monday by Labour Minister Totyu Mladenov.
***
"Dnevnik" reports that the government is willing to allow an increase of the budget deficit to 1.7 per cent of the expected GDP. The extraordinary expenses will be for payment of outstanding liabilities to the private sector.
***
The next six months will be decisive for making tangible the effect from EU funding, Centre for Economic Development head Georgi Prohaski says in a "Klassa" interview. He does not expects problems with achieving the revenue target in the national budget and even sees a likelyhood of surplus.
***
The real estate market is faced with a new collapse because of mortgaged homes: 37 per cent of home sellers experienced financial problems last year, "Klassa" says on its front page. The market could be flooded by offers of bank-owned homes and this will push prices further down and cause a collapse in the real estate business, says Tsevtelina Tasseva, CEO of the real estate broker Address. Experts say that an increasing number of banks are considering the establishment of own home brokerage units to sell mortgaged homes.
***
"Troud" reports that 231 schools in Northern and Eastern Bulgaria will be closed for cold days. The temperatures reached record-setting lows in eight towns. It was worst in Glavinitsa in Northeastern Bulgaria which had minus 29 C (down from the previous record of minus 26 C in 1982).
***
In a side effect of the cold spell, traffic police no longer use batons to stop cars for inspection: they stop them by using the lights and siren of the patrol car - and stay inside the patrol car, "24 Chassa" reports. That has been allowed by the law for many years now but is being put into practice only recently as temperatures plemmetted below zero.
Links to some Bulgarian info websites in English:
http://www.bta.bg/site/en/indexe.shtml
http://www.novinite.com/index.php
http://www.focus-fen.net/
Most discussed topics of the day – Sofia, January 26, 2010
· Bulgarian Defense Minister Nikolay Mladenov has called Taliban claims that the rocket attack on the NATO Air Base in Kandahar was targeted personally at him “absurd”. The three injured Bulgarian troops have not been transported to the military hospital in Landstuhl in Germany yet. It is still not clear when that will happen. The forth injured - Sergent Aleksandrov, who is said to be in the worst condition, is stable, but still on life support.
· Bulgaria's Transport Ministry has advised Bulgarian citizens not to undertake travels to Greece as the protests by Greek farmers against falling subsidies entered into a second week and their stand toughened. At 11:00 p.m. the Greek farmers again blocked Promachonas checkpoint and no trucks are allowed to cross the border at Kulata checkpoint. Cars and buses can cross it freely. There is no information when the blockade will be lifted.
· Bulgaria's new centre-right government will launch a procedure for new private investors for its majority stake in the planned Belene nuclear power plant by the end of the year. There was reportedly renewed interest by big German energy companies to participate in Bulgarian projects. Representatives of these companies were to start negotiations in Sofia next week.
mandag den 25. januar 2010
Bulgarian press review, January 25, 2010
Press Review
Sofia, January 25
THE HOME SCENE
"24 Chassa" carries an interview with Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, in which he names the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) as GERB's main political opponent. Borissov says that unlike other loud political formations, the MRF are acting on the sly, in a European manner. The MRF backs GERB's good intentions in Parliament and no one could accuse them of sabotaging the state. The Prime Minister also says that they are very careful to conceal any involvement in any spots of tension in the country. Media, related to the MRF, have gone soft on the government. Dogan knows that every one of his political allies in the past 20 years has failed spectacularly, Borissov recalls. The Prime Minister is categorical that his government will be in power as long as it manages to govern alone. An hour after this becomes impossible, Borissov vows to hand in his resignation. Bargains with other parliamentary groups in a vote of no-confidence scenario, will mean that the GERB cause has failed.
***
In a "Troud" interview, MRF deputy leader Lyutvi Mestan forecasts that the era of GERB will be succeeded by the era of entrepreneurship. The idea of the messiah in politics is dying out and it will be replaced by pragmatism. The groundwork is laid for new political projects. Mestan argues that the entrepreneurship is the counterpoint of the messiah, where the mindset is that man is self-sufficient and the state is only his partner.
***
Interviewed by "Sega", political analyst Vladimir Shopov says that the Jeleva lesson shows that GERB power has its limits. According to him, the failure of Jeleva's nomination may be rooted in GERB's sense of infallibility as a party that always wins elections and beats everyone. To some extent, this sense has reflected on GERB's self-perception as a force on the foreign political scene. The excessive attention by the European People's Party and the serious investments in GERB as a political project have contributed to the conviction that purely political support is enough for the success of Jeleva's nomination.
***
In an analysis "Monitor" writes that Kristalina Georgieva's nomination has shown Prime Minister Boyko Borissov's swift reaction. The attacks against the Bulgarian Commissioner-designate, Jeleva's withdrawal from the post and Georgieva's nomination have reduced the risk of an open political confrontation in the European Parliament.
***
In a interview for "24 Chassa", Justice Minister Margarita Popova says that now it is victims, and not offenders, who are suffering at the hands of justice. Popova says that revisions to the Penal Code aim to speed up high-profile cases.The changes envisage a back-up defence lawyer in the pre-trial and trial phase.The Justice Minister also notes that under the Penal Code police officers are not trusted as witness and that a decisive reform is called for to change the existing rules.
***
"Troud" headlines "GERB Loses Blue Coalition's Support, If It Touches Gambling." In an interview Sunday on the Bulgarian National Radio, Blue Coalition co-leader Ivan Kostov warned the government that his coalition would withdraw its support if the cabinet changes the gambling tax in favour of businessman Vassil Bozhkov. Kostov explained that his concern stemmed from rumours spreading in Parliament that gambling laws would be changed. Kostov also said that the Blue Coalition approves of the cabinet reshuffle, although it had not been consulted by GERB.
***
"Troud" reports that MP Mihail Mikov of the Bulgarian Socialist Party called for the resignation of the Health Minister on the Bulgarian National Radio on Sunday. Mikov had been shocked at the Minister's remark that hospitals that are about to be closed under the plans of his Ministry "are sowing death." Mikov also raised the question of what would happen with the equipment of the shut hospitals. According to Mikov, the reserve of 1.5 billion leva of the National Health Insurance Fund should be unblocked. Mikov said that it had not been accrued to prop up the fiscal reserve.
***
In an interview for "24 Chassa", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences President Nikola Subotinov says that scientific fields that are making headway will not fall victim to the structural reform at the academy. Subotinov launches the idea of a research university under the academy, which will make full use of the academy facilities (nuclear reactor, research vessel, observatory, laboratories, museums) and staff capabilities without transferring research activities to universities.
***
"Sega" informs of the casualties and chaos, caused by the cold weather. The country has been in a snowy grip since the middle of the week. The cold has claimed five lives. Dozens of vehicles have been abandoned and a number of places have been left with no electricity, water or food. Northeastern Bulgaria was impassable because of drifts.
ECONOMY
In a "24 Chassa" analysis, President's aide and former deputy finance minister Kiril Ananiev lists seven upsides to a sensible 2 per cent deficit, which will be working towards concrete objectives: to support the business mostly through covering back payments for work done; to stimulate demand; to update the minimum wage and pay in the public sector; to provide a push for the key budget reforms and to sustain investment in major infrastructure projects.
***
"Troud" writes that the crisis has destroyed 1,500 construction companies. Big companies are experiencing difficulties, while middle and small-sized companies are going bankrupt. The number of construction businesses in operation has plunged from 5,700 to 4,100-4,200, according to Regional Development Minister Rosen Plevneliev in a radio interview. In his words, this is the price Bulgaria is paying for the easy money that had gone to people's heads.
***
"Troud" writes that Bulgaria runs the risk of losing at least 15 to 20 per cent of the EU funds for environment, after the Stanishev cabinet concealed four important letters from the European Commission. Prime Minister Boyko Borissov told a news conference that the European Commission had told the government to put an end to the schemes for money siphoning. In return, the government officials concealed all correspondence with the European Commission on the OP Environment and ISPA. Borissov said this was a sabotage and vowed to punish those responsible.
Former environment minister Djevdet Chakurov denied any concealed correspondnece between his ministry and the EC during his tenure.
Links to some Bulgarian info websites in English:
http://www.bta.bg/site/en/indexe.shtml
http://www.novinite.com/index.php
http://www.focus-fen.net/
Most discussed topics of the day – Sofia, January 25, 2010
· A Taliban rocket attack hit the Kandahar NATO Air Base late Sunday night during the visit of the Bulgarian Defense Minister, Nikolay Mladenov, there. US Ambassador to Bulgaria James Warlick has extended his sympathies to the families of the four Bulgarian soldiers who were injured in the attack.
· Two kilometer TIR line is formed along Kulata checkpoint on the Bulgarian side of the border with Greece. The line along the Promachonas checkpoint is almost double. Cars, mini buses and buses are allowed using the border. Bulgarian Red Cross (BRC) will inform its head office, located in Geneva, about the crisis condition along border checkpoints on Bulgarian-Greek border. The volunteers will help 250 people, who are waiting for hours along the checkpoint the Greek farmers to lift the blockage.
Sofia, January 25
THE HOME SCENE
"24 Chassa" carries an interview with Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, in which he names the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) as GERB's main political opponent. Borissov says that unlike other loud political formations, the MRF are acting on the sly, in a European manner. The MRF backs GERB's good intentions in Parliament and no one could accuse them of sabotaging the state. The Prime Minister also says that they are very careful to conceal any involvement in any spots of tension in the country. Media, related to the MRF, have gone soft on the government. Dogan knows that every one of his political allies in the past 20 years has failed spectacularly, Borissov recalls. The Prime Minister is categorical that his government will be in power as long as it manages to govern alone. An hour after this becomes impossible, Borissov vows to hand in his resignation. Bargains with other parliamentary groups in a vote of no-confidence scenario, will mean that the GERB cause has failed.
***
In a "Troud" interview, MRF deputy leader Lyutvi Mestan forecasts that the era of GERB will be succeeded by the era of entrepreneurship. The idea of the messiah in politics is dying out and it will be replaced by pragmatism. The groundwork is laid for new political projects. Mestan argues that the entrepreneurship is the counterpoint of the messiah, where the mindset is that man is self-sufficient and the state is only his partner.
***
Interviewed by "Sega", political analyst Vladimir Shopov says that the Jeleva lesson shows that GERB power has its limits. According to him, the failure of Jeleva's nomination may be rooted in GERB's sense of infallibility as a party that always wins elections and beats everyone. To some extent, this sense has reflected on GERB's self-perception as a force on the foreign political scene. The excessive attention by the European People's Party and the serious investments in GERB as a political project have contributed to the conviction that purely political support is enough for the success of Jeleva's nomination.
***
In an analysis "Monitor" writes that Kristalina Georgieva's nomination has shown Prime Minister Boyko Borissov's swift reaction. The attacks against the Bulgarian Commissioner-designate, Jeleva's withdrawal from the post and Georgieva's nomination have reduced the risk of an open political confrontation in the European Parliament.
***
In a interview for "24 Chassa", Justice Minister Margarita Popova says that now it is victims, and not offenders, who are suffering at the hands of justice. Popova says that revisions to the Penal Code aim to speed up high-profile cases.The changes envisage a back-up defence lawyer in the pre-trial and trial phase.The Justice Minister also notes that under the Penal Code police officers are not trusted as witness and that a decisive reform is called for to change the existing rules.
***
"Troud" headlines "GERB Loses Blue Coalition's Support, If It Touches Gambling." In an interview Sunday on the Bulgarian National Radio, Blue Coalition co-leader Ivan Kostov warned the government that his coalition would withdraw its support if the cabinet changes the gambling tax in favour of businessman Vassil Bozhkov. Kostov explained that his concern stemmed from rumours spreading in Parliament that gambling laws would be changed. Kostov also said that the Blue Coalition approves of the cabinet reshuffle, although it had not been consulted by GERB.
***
"Troud" reports that MP Mihail Mikov of the Bulgarian Socialist Party called for the resignation of the Health Minister on the Bulgarian National Radio on Sunday. Mikov had been shocked at the Minister's remark that hospitals that are about to be closed under the plans of his Ministry "are sowing death." Mikov also raised the question of what would happen with the equipment of the shut hospitals. According to Mikov, the reserve of 1.5 billion leva of the National Health Insurance Fund should be unblocked. Mikov said that it had not been accrued to prop up the fiscal reserve.
***
In an interview for "24 Chassa", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences President Nikola Subotinov says that scientific fields that are making headway will not fall victim to the structural reform at the academy. Subotinov launches the idea of a research university under the academy, which will make full use of the academy facilities (nuclear reactor, research vessel, observatory, laboratories, museums) and staff capabilities without transferring research activities to universities.
***
"Sega" informs of the casualties and chaos, caused by the cold weather. The country has been in a snowy grip since the middle of the week. The cold has claimed five lives. Dozens of vehicles have been abandoned and a number of places have been left with no electricity, water or food. Northeastern Bulgaria was impassable because of drifts.
ECONOMY
In a "24 Chassa" analysis, President's aide and former deputy finance minister Kiril Ananiev lists seven upsides to a sensible 2 per cent deficit, which will be working towards concrete objectives: to support the business mostly through covering back payments for work done; to stimulate demand; to update the minimum wage and pay in the public sector; to provide a push for the key budget reforms and to sustain investment in major infrastructure projects.
***
"Troud" writes that the crisis has destroyed 1,500 construction companies. Big companies are experiencing difficulties, while middle and small-sized companies are going bankrupt. The number of construction businesses in operation has plunged from 5,700 to 4,100-4,200, according to Regional Development Minister Rosen Plevneliev in a radio interview. In his words, this is the price Bulgaria is paying for the easy money that had gone to people's heads.
***
"Troud" writes that Bulgaria runs the risk of losing at least 15 to 20 per cent of the EU funds for environment, after the Stanishev cabinet concealed four important letters from the European Commission. Prime Minister Boyko Borissov told a news conference that the European Commission had told the government to put an end to the schemes for money siphoning. In return, the government officials concealed all correspondence with the European Commission on the OP Environment and ISPA. Borissov said this was a sabotage and vowed to punish those responsible.
Former environment minister Djevdet Chakurov denied any concealed correspondnece between his ministry and the EC during his tenure.
Links to some Bulgarian info websites in English:
http://www.bta.bg/site/en/indexe.shtml
http://www.novinite.com/index.php
http://www.focus-fen.net/
Most discussed topics of the day – Sofia, January 25, 2010
· A Taliban rocket attack hit the Kandahar NATO Air Base late Sunday night during the visit of the Bulgarian Defense Minister, Nikolay Mladenov, there. US Ambassador to Bulgaria James Warlick has extended his sympathies to the families of the four Bulgarian soldiers who were injured in the attack.
· Two kilometer TIR line is formed along Kulata checkpoint on the Bulgarian side of the border with Greece. The line along the Promachonas checkpoint is almost double. Cars, mini buses and buses are allowed using the border. Bulgarian Red Cross (BRC) will inform its head office, located in Geneva, about the crisis condition along border checkpoints on Bulgarian-Greek border. The volunteers will help 250 people, who are waiting for hours along the checkpoint the Greek farmers to lift the blockage.
Abonner på:
Opslag (Atom)
