The negativity that Bulgaria has accumulated in recent years is not only written on the backs of one group of rulers. Our society continues to tolerate them and no one talks about them. We quickly forgot the hundreds of millions that were quickly distributed for some buffers, for some nearly 9 billion euros that were withdrawn as state debt. We also forgot about infrastructure projects that continue to generate losses. And our focus is currently shifting to people who, as I say, "have not yet taken off their shoes", but have begun to solve important problems, including in the Ministry of Interior, in justice, as well as in the Ministry of Regional Development. This was stated in the program “Offensive with Lyubo Ognyanov“ on NOVA NEWS by the former Minister of Economy from “Continuing the Change” Bogdan Bogdanov.
In his words, it is not “the first time we see rulers who are currently getting away “by the slipper” and saying: “All the negativity is on the caretaker government“. He also gave examples in which Bulgarian citizens have not received access to infrastructure because the money under the capital program has not been paid to the specific municipalities. “These are Sofia, Varna, Pazardzhik. In Lovech - where there is not even a mayor from “Continuing the Change”. Even municipalities that are representative of the rulers - have not received their money under the capital program and tens of millions have been withheld for one reason or another. These are the big problems that colleagues in the MRDPW have to deal with today,” he emphasized.
Bogdanov also commented on the resignation of the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Angelina Boneva, as well as the doubts that have arisen about pressure being exerted on her in connection with a request to dismiss the management of “ViK Holding”. He emphasized that he would trust the words of Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov that “Boneva has decided to leave the post for health reasons”. “I have no other information and I trust what the Prime Minister says. Whether there are other reasons for Minister Boneva to decide to leave the ministry is not the most important thing at the moment. It is important that there are urgent problems to be solved there, that quick measures be taken so that the solution of these problems can continue”.
He recalled that in just one week over 98 million euros were paid out - money that was blocked and then paid out to unblock payments to municipalities so that they could do their job.
Bogdanov stressed that he fully supports “the request that the entire board of “Vic Holding” be dismissed, if necessary. “Ineffective management in the water supply sector has been the big problem in the sector in recent years. We have entire regions that are regularly on water regime, as is my constituency - Pleven. So this ineffective management leads to our desire for the people who are responsible for the operational work of the holding - to take responsibility. And if necessary-– to be released”, he pointed out.
Regarding the delay in infrastructure projects and the poor quality of some of them - Bogdanov gave as an example the “Hemus” motorway, which many have been waiting for for years. “The same applies to the Pleven bypass. It is currently undergoing its second resurfacing. I drove along the Pleven-Ruse road, which is riddled with potholes”, the former minister gave examples.
Regarding the change in the leadership of the National Revenue Agency, Bogdanov commented that since the Minister of Finance has decided that this is the team he wants to work with and from which he expects more, his decision should be supported. “From now on, he is responsible for the results and for the people he relies on”, he is categorical.
Regarding the change of bosses in the Ministry of Interior, Bogdanov was categorical that “the current team in the Ministry of Interior has nothing to do with our party”. ”We have expressed support for the candidacy of Mr. Rashkov as an expert who can hold fair elections. When a team is clearly not working, the first task of the minister is to make changes and rely on people who can do their job”, said the former minister.
And when asked if the PP regrets that the protests they organized could lead to political benefit for Rumen Radev's party, Bogdanov answered categorically “No”. “The protests were organized to overthrow the ineffective government. The goal was for people to show that this government cannot continue. "We hope the energy from these protests will lead to a new government that will steer Bulgaria towards a strong Europe and a stronger economy," he pointed out.