"Categorically this will not happen" - this is how Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov commented on the new rules for the production of homemade brandy and wine published for public discussion, quoted by novini.bg.
"The Ministry of Agriculture and Food is once again publishing texts that are neither coordinated in advance nor clear about the policy. It is clear that it will affect many people, but it is not clear who will benefit", Zhelyazkov also said and announced that yesterday he had ordered Minister Georgi Tahov to withdraw the draft law from public discussion. "This is an encroachment on the ancient way of life of Bulgarians and it will not happen", the Prime Minister added to journalists. At the same time, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food officially informed that the Draft Decision of the Council of Ministers for the approval of the draft Law on Wine and Spirits published on September 15 is removed from the public consultation platform. However, they clarified that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food is responsible only for domestic wine, and brandy is within the competence of the Ministry of Economy.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food explains that the comments and positions received so far, especially from small producers, are a signal that additional discussion and clarification of some of the texts is necessary.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food will initiate additional dialogue with representatives of the sector, including with stakeholders for whom domestic wine production is a traditional activity, in order to achieve a balance between effective control and the preservation of Bulgarian traditions. After conducting additional consultations with stakeholders, the draft law will be published for public discussion.
"The Ministry of Agriculture and Food is responsible for the policy regarding wine production, as well as for the control exercised in the wine sector. The production and control of alcoholic beverages, including brandy, is within the competence of the Ministry of Economy and Industry," the Ministry of Agriculture and Food specifies.