The chief economist of the Podkrepa Confederation Atanas Katsarchev described the proposal to increase salaries in the public sector by an average of 5% as a complete mockery of the people. “Against the backdrop of increased prices, these percentages are unthinkable. The increase would be of essential importance for those who earn below the average salary. We insist that it be 15%”, he added on the air of NovaNews.
According to Katsarchev, in the long term, no change is visible regarding tax and social security policy. “The worker takes on nearly 2/3 of the budget revenues. VAT, personal income tax, excise duties - all of them are paid by the end consumer”, added the economist.
”From the "Podkrepa" trade union, we will first explain what needs to be done, and then we will go out to protest. If they don't understand what we are saying, we will take protest actions. The whole hysteria around the eurozone should not be at the expense of the poorest workers in Bulgaria”, he insisted.
According to Katsarchev, a balance has been achieved on paper - there is a 3% deficit. ”A country is supported by its people. We say that there is a demographic crisis, social inequalities and at the same time we are saving on social security payments for insured people and not increasing salaries. "If there is no economy - there is nothing, the state disappears," warned the chief economist of the "Podkrepa" trade union.
"Working people must set the direction of movement", is his opinion.
He also commented on the topic of the country's entry into the eurozone. "We do not meet the inflation criterion according to Eurostat data. This decision can only be political. I do not see a program or explanation of what exactly will happen," he added.
Katsarchev announced that on Thursday the strike committee of the "Podkrepa" trade union will meet to consider future actions together with the Confederation of Bulgarian Trade Unions.