The European Commission (EC) has stopped 215 million euros from the Recovery and Resilience Plan intended for Bulgaria. The reason for the blocked funds is that the ruling coalition has not fulfilled its commitment to establish a politically independent Anti-Corruption Commission.
Brussels' decision has provoked a sharp reaction from VMRO.
"The stopped funds are a symbol of the stopped state – of a lack of reforms, a lack of adequate solutions, a lack of real policies. For months we have had a non-working parliament, imitation of activity, empty promises and managerial weakness," stated the deputy chairman of VMRO Carlos Contrera.
According to him, Brussels is punishing Bulgaria again, but instead of corrupt politicians, ordinary Bulgarians are suffering.
"Instead of sanctioning specific guilty individuals, the Commission is actually harming citizens, municipalities and companies that rely on these funds for development. Because of a handful of greedy managers, entire sectors are suffering," Contrera points out. He added that corruption cannot be eliminated with reports from abroad, but only with the will of Bulgarian society.
Carlos Contrera emphasized that the suspended 215 million euros are not a gift, but money that Bulgaria "has already earned and contributed to the EU budget".
"And business cannot use them because politicians speculate with European funds and view them not as a means of developing the country, but as a personal scam. Every euro from Brussels is becoming a new scheme for draining money into someone's pocket, and not into a road, water supply, school, kindergarten, or a modern hospital," the deputy chairman of VMRO continues.
He described the EC's decision as a "slap on the country's reputation" and a clear assessment of the capabilities of the current government.
VMRO - Bulgarian National Movement insists that the "Zhelyazkov" cabinet make a full public report on the spending of funds under the Recovery Plan.