The storm around “Lukoil“ has passed, but there are still many risks. This was stated in “Why, Mr. Minister“ by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth Tomislav Donchev. According to him, the government's main priority is to avoid a fuel crisis in our country.
Regarding the refinery in Burgas, Donchev explained that it is important that it is preserved and continues to produce fuels: “It is important that Bulgaria does not find itself the subject of legal prosecution at some point. We must be sympathetic to the efforts of our partners to achieve peace“.
When asked why the government voted for the director of the National Revenue Agency, Rumen Spetsov, to become a special manager of “Lukoil“, Donchev said: “He is the most logical choice, Spetsov will not deal with the production of diesel and gasoline, he will not technologically manage the production, his function is to exercise financial control. I am convinced that he will cope with this task“.
The Deputy Prime Minister explained that Spetsov cannot combine the two positions and another person will be appointed as the head of the revenue agency.
“The need to sell an asset is an opportunity that may or may not be realized. The government does not have the goal in itself to sell “Lukoil“. We have an imposer of sanctions – OFAK, this asset has an owner, the government has largely overcome the crisis, but how it will be resolved from now on depends on processes that will take place in Washington“, Donchev commented.
According to him, the potential buyer of the Russian company's assets in our country must be a company with experience in the industry, which will bring new economic opportunities. Donchev was categorical that “Lukoil“ cannot follow the fate of “Bulgartabac“.
Budget 2026 - disliked by no one
The Deputy Prime Minister joked that even he does not like Budget 2026. He specified that it is similar to the financial framework for last year and the year before. When asked whether the government would have fallen if it had opted for a more conservative budget, he replied: “It is entirely possible. With such large differences with partners, it is entirely possible. But this is the possible budget, there is no alternative“.
He rejected the claims that through this budget the parties in the coalition are “courting“ their electorate. According to him, the policy of fiscal consolidation and deficit reduction should have been followed.
Donchev pointed out that business has grounds for criticism: “The big problem will be if in the next 3-4 years we continue with more of the same. I really hope that we do not do the same and that the course is towards reducing costs. The mechanism for determining the minimum wage at the moment, based on the average, is “perpetuum mobile“. If this does not change, in just 5-6 years Bulgaria will become the country with the highest minimum wage in Europe. I am against administratively determined salaries“.
According to him, other formulas related to the average salary should also be changed.
“The pension model is broken, experts and political debate are needed. However, the measures are in the direction of raising the retirement age, increasing the contribution. There is rarely enthusiasm for any reform. The healthcare reform - everyone knows that it includes reducing the number of hospitals. Who wants such a thing“.
Donchev was categorical that the budget does not provide for Christmas supplements for pensioners.