The co-chairs of “Democratic Bulgaria“ Ivaylo Mirchev and Bozhidar Bozhanov made statements in parliament on current topics, including the prepared state budget. While Ivaylo Mirchev commented on the political situation and a number of scandals, Bozhidar Bozhanov focused on the financial parameters of the budget and the party's position.
“When we see it, we will comment in detail, but what has leaked is scandalous — raising social security contributions by 10%, the maximum social security income and a number of other things. Whether this is testing the waters or real intentions remains to be seen,“ said Bozhidar Bozhanov.
He stressed that “Democratic Bulgaria“ categorically opposes the increase in the tax and social security burden: “Our firm position is that the tax and social security burden should not be raised. There is money – we just need to stop the drains and optimize spending“.
Bozhanov explained that the formation has proposed a package of right-wing measures that can find funds without burdening the state budget.
“We proposed limiting bonuses in the entire public sector – in the administration, in regulators, in state-owned enterprises. They are handing out money there as if the state were bottomless. If this is stopped, resources will be freed up for young doctors and key sectors, without increasing insurance premiums,“ he believes.
According to him, if these proposals are adopted, the budget can become balanced without repeating the mistakes of the past: “This is a leftist budget that takes us back to 1996 and the policies of Zhan Videnov. If we want stability, we need reason and right-wing financial policy“.
The leader of "DPS-New Beginning" Delyan Peevski showed in the parliamentary lobby printed photos of the MP from the "We Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria" (PP-DB) and former Minister of Interior Boyko Rashkov, who is shaking hands with an unknown man. According to Peevski, the person in question is Muharem Mukhat.
„We have never bought votes. We have always been on the side of the law and we ‘cook our own lyutenitsa’, as we like to say“, said Ivaylo Mirchev.
He described it as “frivolous“ that the parliament should become a place of intrigue: “I hope we do not conduct investigations on the sidelines – whether the photo is at an intersection or elsewhere. If there is something wrong, it should be checked, but by the competent authorities“.
On „Lukoil“ and Russian influence
Mirchev emphasized that the party insists on full transparency in the future deal with „Lukoil“ and a clear distinction from Russian influence: “Our desire is clear – “Lukoil“ should not be under any form of control by the Kremlin. We want a Western investor and guarantees that no pro-Russian parties and groups will be financed in our country“.