Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov claims that "Balkan Stream" is a good business project.
"If he wants, let him take out the old data and the approved model from the KEVR from Ivan Ivanov. There is a lot in common between "Botaş" and "Balkan Stream" - common things can be found in the persons who managed the processes in this way, common faces can be found among the contractors, the goals for the two projects are clear. One is to bring Bulgaria's infrastructure - "Bulgartransgaz" to its knees, the other is to bankrupt the state trader. At the heart of both cases lies Bulgarian national betrayal. We are not defending our national interest and we are wondering who to lean on," said former Energy Minister Alexander Nikolov in the studio of "Denyat ON AIR."
The "Turkish Stream" pipeline, which passes through Bulgaria, has been removed from the list of facilities through which Russian gas will not be supplied to the EU.
"There are many factors for this and they are not necessarily related to Bulgaria. The most critical is the infrastructure for Serbia and Hungary, but it mainly serves Russian interests. There is no alternative source. During the last cabinet meetings, there was talk that arbitration against "Gazprom Export" would finally be initiated for non-fulfillment of the contract with Bulgaria with "Bulgargaz." A ridiculous amount was mentioned against the background of what needs to be sought. Now nothing is heard again. "It won't be heard in the next 3 months either," Nikolov added on Bulgaria ON AIR.
He is of the opinion that no one wants to have a revision of the Bulgarian energy sector.
"Political phrases are being thrown around. Obviously, taking on higher debt is presented as a success. And in fact, by putting the system in debt, it is in a worse financial situation. The fact that the most expensive electricity productions are a major part of households is presented as a success. No one dares to say what the prices of heat should be for the next heating season, if the data of "Bulgargaz" on the obligations under the contract with "Botas" are accepted, these obligations are not accounted for. This is sweeping it under the carpet," commented the former minister. According to him, the biggest sinner is Bulgarian society.
"We are in a waking coma. Whatever happens, there is no reaction. No one is talking about "Toplofikatsiya Sofia" and its condition, about its connection with "Bulgargaz". The distortion of the market, even for commercial entities, is terrifying. The only way to start solving problems is to call them by their real names," Nikolov added.
When asked if there is a way to solve the problem with "Botas", he replied: "There is always a way. At the moment, the damage has been done, will any authorities ever wake up... Where are the members of the Bulgarian Energy Holding? In order to sign a long-term contract of 13 years, the company must ask its owner". Nikolov believes that the long-term operation of the thermal power plants is not guaranteed if the current approach continues.
"If we focus on technological progress, it is possible. Minister Stankov has made a very key visit and hopefully they will allow him to do his job at the political level. We need to see very carefully how the money will be spent on the so-called territorial plans. But the services are also in a coma", the guest is categorical.