„Rebellious Bulgaria“ expresses categorical disagreement and indignation at the refusal of the concessionaire of "Vasil Levski" Sofia airport - „SofConnect“ to fulfill one of its main obligations under the concession agreement - namely the payment of the due concession fee. It was temporarily postponed during the covid crisis, but not forgiven.
This is stated in the position of "Rebellious Bulgaria". They recall that today, years after the pandemic, when air traffic has been restored, and the airport's revenues are increasing and new routes are constantly being opened, "SofConnect“ demonstrates an arrogant attitude towards the Bulgarian state and the Bulgarian people by refusing to fulfill its commitments.
The government should immediately take legal action to collect the due concession fee, including through legal action or initiating a procedure to terminate the contract. To discuss the possibility of returning "Vasil Levski" Sofia airport under state control if "SofConnect" continues with its refusal to comply with Bulgarian laws and contractual obligations.
This is what they asked of "Nepokorna Bulgaria".
Position of "Nepokorna Bulgaria" regarding the refusal of the operator of the Sofia airport - "SofConnect" to pay the deferred concession fee:
„Nepokorna Bulgaria“ expresses categorical disagreement and indignation at the refusal of the concessionaire of the "Vasil Levski" Sofia Airport - "SofConnect" to fulfill one of its main obligations under the concession contract - namely the payment of the concession fee due. It was temporarily postponed during the Covid crisis, but not waived.
In the conditions of an unprecedented pandemic, the state showed understanding, tolerance and responsibility by granting a payment deferral in order to preserve the stability of the strategic concession and to enable the concessionaire to adapt to the extraordinary economic situation. However, this deferral has never meant a waiver of obligations.
Today, years after the pandemic, when air traffic has been restored and the airport's revenues are growing (new routes are constantly being opened) "SofConnect" demonstrates an arrogant attitude towards the Bulgarian state and the Bulgarian people by refusing to fulfill its commitments. This behavior is not only unacceptable and morally reprehensible, but also a potential basis for terminating the concession contract due to gross non-fulfillment. Bulgarian citizens are not second-class citizens! Contracts are meant to be respected.
„Nepokorna Bulgaria“ insists:
1. The government should immediately take legal action to collect the due concession fee, including through legal action or initiating a procedure to terminate the contract;
2. A complete revision of all concession conditions should be made and it should be publicly announced whether there are any other cases of non-fulfillment by the concessionaire;
3. The possibility of returning "Vasil Levski" airport to the Bulgarian capital should be discussed. Sofia under state control if “SofConnect“ continues its refusal to comply with Bulgarian laws and contractual obligations.
We also ask an open question to the government: #Who will bear the responsibility for the concession contract turning into yet another scheme to drain the state?
“Nepokorna Bulgaria“ will closely monitor the case and will not allow “Vasil Levski” Sofia airport – a strategic site of national importance – to be used to extract profits for a foreign operator, while the state and society suffer undeserved losses.