“It is necessary to ensure a smoother transition from lev to euro. We need to provide citizens with more security and protection against speculative price increases in goods. This is the goal of both the Law on the Introduction of the Euro and our Bill on Measures for Controlling the Prices of Basic Goods and Services. No one wants to create unnecessary difficulties for business, these are rather opportunities to influence the unethical, honest business has no reason to worry.“ This was stated by the head of the Delegation of the Bulgarian Socialists in the European Parliament and a member of the BSP EB Kristian Vigenin in the program "Crossroads" on NOVA. He added that a large part of the socialists' proposals have found a place in the Euro Adoption Act adopted at first reading: “BSP is the only left-wing party in both the National Assembly and the government. We will try to defend our legislative proposals against speculation and I believe that we will be able to find the golden mean.“
“The measures create security for citizens and an opportunity for the government to influence if a speculative increase in prices and services is detected. It can also be interpreted as a warning to those traders who intend to take unfair advantage of the introduction of the euro. But not every price increase can be attributed to the transition to the new currency,“ warned the MEP. According to him, in the event of possible inflation, it is necessary for people from vulnerable groups to be compensated by the state.
On the topic of Maya Manolova's rejected candidacy for the position of Ombudsman, Vigenin specified that the parliamentary group of the Left supported her, but she did not receive approval from the other political forces in the parliament: “There is some misunderstanding on the topic. The Ombudsman is a potential caretaker prime minister. There is no way that the BSP will have all the important posts, but we could certainly have put up a more serious fight. We will closely monitor the work of the newly elected Ombudsman, we hope that he will fulfill his promises and be a defender of the people, not serve the interests of the institutions and the ruling majority.“
Regarding the EU's Multiannual Financial Framework, Kristian Vigenin pointed out that there are more disappointed people in the European Parliament than charmed ones. “Each of the political groups has its reasons. "The money for agriculture, cohesion and the environment is significantly less. On the other hand, the planned defense spending is significantly more. I, as a socialist, and the BSP cannot be satisfied, we also want more funds for social policies. However, this does not mean that Bulgaria will receive less funds, it depends on the distribution. A new system of payments is being planned - national and regional plans," the MEP commented. He expressed his concerns that the new payment system risks the European Parliament having less control over the funds.
For contact with the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the EP: https://www.socialistsanddemocrats.eu/