The Confederation of Bulgarian Trade Unions (CTU) will monitor the main 20 goods in the consumer basket every month during the smooth transition to the euro. This was commented on “The Day Begins“ on BNT by the President of the Confederation of Bulgarian Trade Unions (CTU) Plamen Dimitrov. From his words it became clear that business is also responsible for the prices of essential goods.
„The latest data that we heard from the head of the National Revenue Agency clearly show that speculation continues, which can be regulated, in my opinion“, commented Dimitrov.
He emphasized that he does not share the theses of speculation:
„I do not share the theses that are so lightly instilled that in a market economy it is normal for everyone to set whatever price they want, and for the market to regulate itself: if you want — you buy, if not — you don't. If we look at Germany, we will see that business has a responsibility — i.e. wealth, including personal wealth, is responsible. It is not just about opportunities for profit and a better life… The one who buys and sells also has his social responsibility, especially when it comes to essential goods, the so-called "small basket", said Plamen Dimitrov.
In his words, the draft law on the subject is late:
“It is certainly necessary to monitor from the producer — if there is no Bulgarian producer, then at least along the chain to the market — what is happening with the price. And I see nothing wrong with that, nothing unmarketable. At least the monitoring. I agree that it was delayed. But there is nothing unmarketable in such an approach“, explained the president of the Confederation of Bulgarian Trade Unions.
From his words it became clear that a shock increase in the price of basic products such as bread and milk is not expected. The Confederation of Bulgarian Trade Unions will monitor the prices of goods from the consumer basket.
Plamen Dimitrov also pointed out how wages and inflation have developed in some countries after their accession to the eurozone:
„Lithuania joined in 2015. The average wage then was 714 euros, after 10 years — 2233 euros. This is a 213% nominal increase, with inflation of 50%, i.e. real growth of 163%.
Latvia joined in 2014 — 10 years later, the average wage is 1681 euros. Nominal growth of 122%, inflation — 47%, real growth — 75%
Estonia joined in 2011 — according to the latest data from 2024 — from 839 euros average salary to 1981 euros. This is 136% nominal growth, inflation 50%, real growth — 60%“, he also pointed out.