Employers' organizations were outraged by the budget proposed by the government. This forced the authorities to urgently begin consultations in search of a compromise. Is it possible that the topic of the management of “Lukoil“ could become a “black swan” for the stable ruling majority? Comment by political scientist Professor Svetoslav Marinov in the program “Offensive with Lyubo Ognyanov” on NOVA NEWS.
According to him, it is possible that if the refinery in Burgas closes, a political crisis and early parliamentary elections may result.
“Yes, it is possible. We must admit it, because the following could happen: first – not to find a buyer and somehow start some kind of crisis, which I don't want to talk about, since talking about it itself brings uncertainty and harm. Secondly, someone could take advantage of the situation – in this case the president's veto“, added Marinov.
According to him, there is still another option - a truce between the opposition parties and the government.
“I would be surprised if the PP–DB attack these measures. However, they could attack the specific buyer, the specific figures. The opposite could still happen – temporary stabilization in the name, of course, of reaching a solution“, he believes.
“I can't imagine how this majority would decide to send the country to early parliamentary elections before the presidential ones in November next year. How can I put it? I can't imagine doing it without protests, without a fight. There is simply no political logic to do so“, added Marinov.
The government and the ruling majority claim that they have taken all measures to reduce or minimize the danger that the “Lukoil Neftochim Burgas“ refinery will stop operating after November 21.
“This topic is very painful and dangerous for me. What is happening at the moment around the budget is not a barrel of water in a teacup, but I agree that if a problem with “Lukoil“ is added to this, things will become very serious. Rather, what is happening as a debate on the budget only shows why if there is a problem with the refinery, it will multiply the problems of the budget plan. All serious economists in Bulgaria categorically claim that the revenue side is uncertain. And when you additionally have a certain loss of part of the revenue through “Lukoil“, you understand what can happen”, explained Marinov.