What we see in the government's actions regarding "Lukoil" is a delay. It was proclaimed that this is to copy the German version, which gave them the opportunity to request a derogation. Since 2023, there is legislation for the special manager who can take over the management of "Lukoil". I expected this to happen in 2-3 days. This was stated by the former Minister of Economy and Industry Nikola Stoyanov in the program “From the Day” on BNT, quoted by novini.bg.
There are quite disturbing things. There was legislation on the basis of which they could implement the German model. Ultimately, the purpose of these sanctions is for Russia to not be able to make money from the property it has, he explained.
According to Stoyanov, it should have been decided in advance who these individuals would be, to talk to them, to have them make a commitment - everything should have been ready. Apparently, the previous governments did not do this job.
So far, there has been a representative who only observes. Now the special manager will manage, the former Minister of Economy and Industry specified. These individuals must definitely be experts. The refinery is very complex to manage. This is a huge enterprise. I don't think it's possible for anyone to enter. He must guarantee that no more money will go to Russia, then we can ask the US for a derogation from these sanctions, they should allow us to do so and this should happen before the 21st.
It is categorically in Bulgaria's interest that this refinery does not stop working. If it stops, it will have serious consequences on fuel prices. There will be no vacuum, but it will take months to catch up. We cannot take sides in this situation. The bad thing is that a lot of time has been lost, said Nikola Stoyanov.
He admitted that he would be surprised if we were granted a postponement.