The budget has not yet been finalized, it is at the working stage. Within 10 days, I hope there will be a final version and it will be submitted for consideration to the National Assembly. I call on all political forces to approach it responsibly, because this budget will be as compromise as possible and acceptable in the situation the country is in. This was said by Deputy Prime Minister and candidate for leader of the Bulgarian Socialist Party Atanas Zafirov on “Live Day” on NOVA NEWS.
We will defend the prevention of cutting social benefits and wage increases. People can rest assured,” he added.
Zafirov believes that taking on additional debt always carries risks. According to him, the revenue part can be secured by limiting the gray sector and the profits of banks, the mining industry, administrative fees, and others.
Boycott of stores
On the topic of the boycott of stores, Zafirov said that the pressure from civil society is already having an effect, as some retail chains have announced discounts. “Large retailers must understand that endless price increases can lead to the loss of the main segment of consumers,” he said. He added that this can lead to market distortion.
According to him, a lasting solution to the issue must be found, so legislative measures can also be considered. Zafirov stressed that a bill has been submitted to cap the mark-ups of 70 essential goods. The Deputy Prime Minister pointed out that the issue of boycotting stores has not been discussed by the government and added that he speaks on behalf of the political force he represents.
Regulators
There is a need for active action in the direction of regulators, and the National Assembly can start this process, believes Zafirov. In his words, there is nothing more normal than for the BSP to be present in such a type of regulators that regulate the role of the state in controlling, for example, the social sector of society.
The Deputy Prime Minister also believes that when choosing regulators, the professionalism, integrity and expertise of the candidates should be taken into account, and not their political affiliation. He added that the nominations have not yet been discussed in either the BSP or the Coalition Council.
Election of the BSP Chairman
„The decision for the chairman is collective and will be made by nearly 900 delegates to the Congress from all over the country. The very fact that there are so many candidates shows that the BSP is already different, democratic and there is a place for everyone in it. There is also an opportunity to freely defend ideas and views”, said Zafirov.
The Deputy Prime Minister also indicated his priorities in the battle for the BSP leader. He said that we should not be afraid of the word socialism. „It should be present more often in our programs and documents, be filled with content and relevant to the concept of equality”, he added. As a second priority, he stated the return of the collective beginning in the BSP. As a third – return of the BSP as the main political factor in the country. “My motto is “BSP - stronger than time”, said Zafirov.