GERB's course regarding the euro continues to be just as unwavering as before.
This was stated to the Bulgarian National Radio by Denitsa Sacheva, deputy chairman of the GERB-SDF PG, specifying:
"We have clearly stated that the eurozone remains our priority and we will work to make it happen from January 1, 2026. The point is, however, that the European Commission also wants us to get the exact numbers, the true state of the budget, and not a constant squirming between cash basis, accrual basis, etc.".
If anyone is taking us away from the eurozone, it is Assen Vassilev, she believes.
According to her, the Ministry of Finance reports a 3% deficit on a cash basis, but how much it is on an accrual basis - it will become clear only at the end of March:
"Assen Vassilev very skillfully juggles with these terms and when it is advantageous to him, he quotes on a cash basis, when it is not advantageous to him - he quotes the opposite".
All ministries and state institutions must submit data on the real expenses due before 2025 to the Ministry of Finance within days, in order to outline the preliminary assessment of the deficit for last year, Sacheva announced and commented:
"This "hole" of 18 billion leva is also formed from this. ... And when this information comes out, you will see that the deficit is much, much higher and it is due to the pro-inflationary policies of Asen Vassilev".
Denitsa Sacheva pointed out that "all institutions and all financial experts say that there is a "hole" in the budget", explaining:
"All ministries that make their budgets and know what revenues the state has are fully aware. ... Wait until Tuesday, Wednesday to see in black and white, because the institutions will show what the state really is".
Before the data and analysis are clear on what the benefits will be for Bulgarian citizens and what the state will gain, I would not commit to a categorical position on how the state should act in the case of "Lukoil-Neftochim", Sacheva emphasized:
"In the situation we are in right now - with this serious budget deficit - I am not sure that allocating funds for the purchase of "Lukoil" would be a policy that would move us forward. ... Let's see the opinion of the experts. And the decisions should be made in parliament with the participation of all political forces in it. The good thing is that such a decision cannot be made unilaterally. If a decision is made to acquire "Lukoil", it will be made by the parliament and will be made with the participation of all political forces. ... This is a private company and there can be no political will in such commercial relations. ... The decision must be weighed against all potential benefits and harms for the Bulgarian state".