GERB leader Boyko Borissov criticised those in power over fuel prices, the delay to the 2027 Budget and the work of parliament. He appeared in the National Assembly after a prolonged absence, left the plenary hall about half an hour after the session began and gave a briefing in the corridors.
Borissov described parliament as a “meaningless organisation” after GERB-SDS’s proposal for urgent measures to temporarily reduce motor fuel prices was not considered. According to him, the procedural breaks that prevented the item from being reached were “tricks”.
The bill envisaged reducing VAT on fuels to 9% for six months. It also stipulated that excise duties be lowered below the minimum levels for the European Union. Both measures require authorisation from the European Commission, with Croatia and Poland cited as examples. The proposal contains no estimate of the impact on the state budget.
According to Borissov, the measure could have reduced petrol and diesel prices by “20-30-40” cents per litre. “I want Bulgarians to compare after one year – how much diesel cost under Borissov, how much it costs now under Radev. How much gas cost,” he said.
Criticism of the budget and the Struma motorway
Asked why the 2027 Budget bill would be presented on Friday at the University of National and World Economy rather than at the Council of Ministers, Borissov replied ironically: “After UNWE – at Buzludzha.” He said the document should have been presented by the end of October and that, therefore, “we cannot say anything”.
The former prime minister compared road construction costs under previous governments with current prices. “For us, one lot cost BGN 80 million; now one kilometre of the Struma motorway costs 40 million euros per kilometre – gold,” he said.
“Otherwise, they are doing wonderfully – happy baskets, cheerful pigs, who knows what else is there, everything is very nice for everyone,” Borissov said. He added that there was no district heating in Sofia and that the mayor had been “blaming GERB for the fourth year”. According to him, those in power enjoy “incredible media comfort” and are the “kings of excuses”.
Comments on the SJC, the files and the US elections
On the issue of electing members of the Supreme Judicial Council from parliament’s quota, Borissov said that negotiations between “Progressive Bulgaria”, “Vazrazhdane”, “We Continue the Change” and “Democratic Bulgaria” must first be concluded.
Regarding the planned closure of the State Commission on Information Security Files, the GERB leader said: “The Files Commission no longer has a function – all the former cops are MPs and ministers.”
In response to a question about the US midterm elections, Borissov said that no one who starts a war ends well. In his view, people are afraid of war and are under pressure from prices. “When money goes towards military hardware, people protest and feel dissatisfied,” he said.
Sources: dnes.dir.bg