Yavor Gechev, leader of the list of “Progressive Bulgaria” in the 10th MIR - Kyustendil and former acting Minister of Agriculture, stated on the air of “Hello, Bulgaria” that the agricultural sector is currently in a severe crisis and needs urgent state measures. According to him, the deepening international conflicts directly affect the prices of fuels and fertilizers, which threatens production. “We will not reach a food crisis, but we will pay the price, and it will be tragic”, commented Gechev.
He explained that at the moment, agriculture, especially when it comes to the production of fruits and vegetables, is in an extremely poor state due to climatic conditions. Grain production is also suffering, as the country has lost markets and transport costs have increased significantly. Gechev pointed to partial compensation for fuel as necessary measures, although he admitted that the state can no longer cover the entire price difference. “We need a comprehensive traceability system that guarantees the purity of food and monitors pricing”, he added.
Regarding markups in stores, Gechev highlighted the lack of working legislation and control. He gave the example of Greece, where specific measures are being implemented to protect locally produced products. “Bulgarian producers are not equal in the Bulgarian markets, which is absurd”, said the representative of “Progressive Bulgaria”.
In political terms, Yavor Gechev was categorical that his formation was fighting for the maximum number of votes in the upcoming vote in April and independent governance. He ruled out any coalitions with Delyan Peevski's formation and stated that there were no talks with GERB.
As “red lines” for future partnerships, he pointed to the judicial reform and the change of the Supreme Judicial Council. “The first task is to dismantle the current model - without that the economy cannot get going”, he emphasized.
Gechev also commented on the changes in the Constitution regarding the service cabinets, calling them “defeats” made with the aim of harming Rumen Radev. And Gechev himself described him as the “inspirator and motor” of “Progressive Bulgaria”.
In response to a question about the leader's foreign policy orientation, Gechev said: “Rumen Radev is rated 10 on the scale for a person who cares about his own country. He has his own added value and should not be compared to anyone else”.