For me, this is an incorrect geopolitical decision, said in the program "Face to Face" on bTV PR expert Diana Damyanova, who worked for 17 years at "Lukoil", in connection with the American sanctions against the company.
"Lukoil" is a very large, very modern company. Economically, our country is very dependent on "Lukoil", we are talking about 1/4 of the Bulgarian budget as revenues, she said.
It was managed by both a Bulgarian team and the Russian leadership, with a lot of attention to Bulgarian problems. With an investment of 2 billion, it became the most environmentally friendly refinery in Europe.
So far, the teams that have managed the refinery have been mainly Bulgarian. All the talk about poor management is completely untrue. The claims that the refinery employs 2,000 people are also not true - 2,000 are just at the gas stations. The company employs about 6,000 people. The separation of "Lukoil" is quite painful, Damyanova pointed out.
I hear that the large company "Lukoil" has requested a postponement from the USA. I suggest we talk about sanctions after November 21, because the situation is very dynamic, commented the PR expert, adding that according to her, GERB leader Boyko Borisov is "solidly convinced" that Bulgaria will receive a reprieve.
The refinery is a very specific thing. We accept that this particular manager is coming in. Very specific qualities are required.
I would advise Borisov to take someone out of his pocket who was in the refinery. We don't know if there are any agreements between the current management and the people who will join the company, whether there will be continuity. You shouldn't go in there with a mace, because this mace could have very bad consequences, emphasized Diana Damyanova.
I think that this government's plans are not to carry out a quick buyout. I think that Borisov, as a good player, is negotiating with both sides - both Russia and the US, and will seek a solution that is not scandalous and satisfies everyone, said Oshchiya Damyanova.