„The Law on the Introduction of the Euro contains a ban on raising prices without „objective economic factors“, but there is no clear definition of which prerequisites are objective and which are not. That is, companies will be sanctioned based on the subjective judgment of the inspectors. This makes the bill dangerous because it creates opportunities for the control bodies to turn into bludgeons.“ This was stated by the chairwoman of Stand Up.BG Maya Manolova in her post on social networks.
According to her, in some cases of speculatively increased prices it would be considered that everything is fine and the increase is justified, and in others – companies will be sanctioned based on a free interpretation of “what did the author want to say?“.
“For example, in a large store it can be sold more expensively, in a small store – not, because there was a lower cost. This creates legal prerequisites for ruining custom-made businesses, which is not in the interest of either consumers or businesses. Even if we assume that the control bodies will be completely unbiased and neutral, everyone could find an excuse for illegally raising prices.“ – commented Manolova.
As an example, she gave the fact that electricity has increased in price by 11.2% since January 1st or could be justified with a hypothetical increase in the price of untraceable marketing services.
“In our law “Anti-speculation“ the measures are clearly described – what they are, how and who imposes them, for what period they are valid, under what conditions, how often and by whom they are changed. If a given item, the price of which should be regulated, is offered at a higher price by a trader, he must be clearly sanctioned. Same rules for both large and small. There is no room for double standards and for the execution of dirty orders.“ – she was categorical.
According to Manolova, a second serious problem in the bill adopted at first reading by the Council of Ministers is that it gives the government the opportunity to impose price control measures.
„But what are the measures? They are not listed. This creates uncertainty and concerns about abuse among traders and citizens. In our bill, we propose a price ceiling and marginal mark-ups for basic food and essential goods, determined in a list by the Council of Ministers; returning the prices of medicines and mobile services to those of January 1, 2025, of bank fees - to the average for 2024 according to BNB data, and the price of fuel will be calculated according to a clear formula every two weeks.“ – added the chairman of Izprav se.BG.
According to her, it is not clear which goods and services will be regulated. Is it only for basic food products and essential goods or also for luxury cars, exotic fruits, caviar?
„And an even bigger question is why the government's law does not clearly regulate the prices of fuel, bank fees and mobile services. There is no answer.“ – Manolova was indignant.
The former ombudsman recalled that in the draft bill "Anti-speculation" prepared by her, the regulation refers to the main sectors that affect people's living standards - basic food products and essential goods, medicines, bank fees and mobile services.
According to Manolova, another problem is that after the adoption of the new regulations proposed by the government, they will enter into force on August 8. - “Yes, a short period, but enough to inflate prices before regulation begins.“
“Therefore, I call on the deputies to show reason for once and actually protect consumers without bankrupting certain businesses. The solution is to reject the government's law and immediately adopt our law “Anti-speculation“.“ – she stated.