The government's management program is ready. Right after the oath, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov announced that it would be presented within a month. The document is expected to be approved by the Joint Governance Council today.
According to information from NOVA, the program envisages massive investments in infrastructure, education and healthcare, as well as the development of high added value in the economy through innovation zones. Accelerated modernization of the army is also envisaged, but necessarily with the participation of the Bulgarian arms industry.
What is written in the program:
The volume is 100 pages. The program was written by the ministers and the teams of the parties, and its main direction is budget consolidation, said deputies from the ruling majority.
It also states that financial stability and economic competitiveness are fundamental for the long-term development of the country. A sustainable financial environment is a prerequisite for economic growth, and a competitive economy is key to maintaining macroeconomic stability. Governance will be guided by the principles of predictability, prudent management of public resources and promotion of investment and innovation. Bulgaria's integration into the European economic and financial architecture will be a priority. A unified and coherent policy will be pursued in the decision-making process in the EU, with all policies being aligned with macroeconomic stability, the sustainability of public finances and the needs of society.
The government will work to create a favorable environment for growth, including reducing the bureaucratic burden, stimulating entrepreneurship and promoting economic activity. This will allow businesses and citizens to take advantage of the new opportunities created by economic modernization and integration into European markets, the program also states.
In order to remove Bulgaria from the so-called “Grey List“ of the FATF, work will be done to improve interdepartmental cooperation between law enforcement agencies in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing, and joint interinstitutional actions will be taken for faster and more qualitative prevention, detection and investigation in the field of money laundering. In parallel, actions will be taken to free institutions from corrupt influence and to effectively counter organized crime and cross-border criminal networks, the program says.
A priority in management will be the effective and efficient management of funds from the Cohesion Policy funds for the 2021-2027 programming period and funds from donor programs, as well as effective participation in the debate on the future of Cohesion Policy for the period after 2028. In order to ensure the implementation of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), renegotiation will be carried out with the European Commission and work will be done to accelerate the implementation of the remaining reforms and investments under the plan.
To reduce the negative impact of the expansion of the scope of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS II) on vulnerable groups, a Social Climate Plan will be developed and submitted to the European Commission in a short time.
One of the main commitments of the coalition partners is to improve the quality of life. Bulgarian citizens must have access to modern and effective healthcare, quality education and a secure social environment. Targeted measures will be implemented to reduce regional imbalances, support families, and improve the conditions for the realization of young people. Work will be done to improve measures against domestic violence and to create conditions for equality and inclusion of disadvantaged people. Social policy will be balanced with economic realities to ensure sustainable incomes, access to quality services and efficient use of public resources.
Energy security and independence are key to the country's long-term sustainability. Bulgaria will pursue a strategy for diversification of energy sources, development of nuclear energy and investments in green technologies with a goal of predictable and affordable prices for consumers. Innovative solutions will be implemented to increase energy efficiency and reduce dependence on external suppliers, with an emphasis on sustainable development and long-term economic security. National security and foreign policy will be aimed at strengthening Bulgaria's positions in the EU and NATO while protecting national interests and regional stability, the management program states.
Foreign policy priorities will be aimed at enhanced cooperation in European and international institutions to ensure economic sustainability, energy independence and protection from external threats, the management program continues.
The management program is an expression of shared political responsibility and a vision for predictable, effective and modern governance. Through clear reforms, strategic investments and social responsibility, the government will work for a stronger economy, a fairer society and a stable future for all Bulgarian citizens, the document says.
The meeting of the Joint Governance Council today will be held a little later due to the National Security Advisory Council under the President.