The BSP is submitting a bill to reduce student loan interest rates from 7% to 3%.
Currently, loan interest rates are 7% - a ceiling set by the state. A few days ago, the chairman of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) and chairman of the parliamentary committee on youth and sports, Gabriel Valkov, stated that "there is no way that banks can earn even more money on the backs of young students who do not have access to education because they do not have the financial opportunity to study".
In front of Radio Sofia, the chairman of the National Representation of Student Councils in the Republic of Bulgaria, Angel Stoykov, pointed out that for several years they have initiated such talks, but at the moment there is always something that "is a stumbling block".
"As of today, the talks are starting again, we also have communication with Mr. Valkov, who is the sponsor of this bill with the committee on youth and sports. We are also holding talks with the Ministry of Education and Science, but it is very important to say that all interested parties, both the students and the government, and of course the banks, must reach some kind of consensus“, explained Stoykov.
According to him, there is a possibility that if commercial banks do not adopt the proposed idea, they will limit the granting of such loans, which are guaranteed by the state.
"Only some of the banks have the opportunity to share these loans with students. In the National Representation, we will conduct an analysis with our colleagues from the student councils of the larger higher education institutions, what is the percentage of colleagues who use these loans, what is their opinion", emphasized Angel Stoykov.
He added that talks are also being held with the Minister of Education Krasimir Valchev about a common policy with the Association of Banks, so that the proposal can be implemented.