The state has a toolkit, it has institutions, regulatory bodies that are called upon to do this activity. Another question is how well they are doing, how motivated they are and how well they are secured in terms of legality, and the support they need to receive from politicians. Citizens are not well informed about what is happening, why this move towards the euro is happening now, which is not explained in economic terms. There is a propaganda campaign that only talks about "for" and "against", almost people are getting into the mood, without clear economic reasoning. This was said by former caretaker Prime Minister Stefan Yanev in the studio of "Denyat ON AIR".
According to him, abandoning the Bulgarian currency will have a long-lasting effect on families in our country.
"If this effect is not well enough calculated and if it is not well enough explained to citizens - it is normal for them to be afraid, to talk about potential speculation, inflation and uncertainty with their money. These are very important issues that need to be considered both on a national level and from the perspective of the development of the EU in the current situation. 5-6 years ago, Europe was different, then the Eurozone had a different meaning and a different value. Currently, it is not so. Leading economies are currently rapidly heading towards recession," Yanev added on Bulgaria ON AIR.
Which zone are we joining?
He is of the opinion that international markets have changed a lot.
"This reflects the European economy. We currently want very much politically to join the Eurozone, but which zone are we joining - the club of rich countries or the club of rich debtors? There are no economic figures. Finances are measured in numbers. In the convergence report, Bulgaria meets the criteria. A few months ago, they deafened our ears with the "hole in the budget", without anyone explaining what this term means, but will it increase or decrease with entry into the Eurozone? Will it disappear?", the guest asked.
Yanev is of the opinion that we need a change in terms of the rule of law.
Speculations about the euro
"It seems that the state is not ready, but to what extent - we will find out later. Are we blindly rushing into the future based on the assessment of European officials? We count on them to be extremely wise, not making mistakes and we will flourish. We are moving in the direction of loans. By signing the treaty with the EU, Bulgaria has made a commitment to join the Eurozone at a certain point, which means that this commitment has already been made. There is no need to look for such an instrument as asking the people. From here on, speculation begins that this referendum could stop this process. But it can be stopped in another way, Bulgaria is a parliamentary republic, but the parliament does not speak out, "added the former caretaker prime minister.
Asked if there is a risk of impoverishment after January 1, 2026, he replied: "There is always a risk, because the world is developing in different directions. We cannot get rich without work. We are used to being silent observers of our own lives and our own development. We do not want our voice to be heard.".