The new government has faced a concerted attack about its energy policies. Many municipalities led by the ex-ruling party GERB complained about high electricity bills and have even resorted to turning off street lights overnight. But the truth is that municipalities will shortly receive compensation for December and January, so the action appears to be a political protest against the government of Kiril Petkov.
Rashkov investigates Bulgargaz
Interior Minister Boyko Rashkov is investigating the previous directors of the largest Bulgarian natural gas distribution company - state Bulgargaz, and also the State Agency of Energy Regulation. The two institutions have come under new management after the recently elected coalition government promised to reform the sector. It appears that Rashkov is now focusing on the former head, Nickolay Pavlov. The Interior Minister says that the state company has worked "against the national interest" and accuses it of being responsible for high gas prices. Pavlov stated that there were no grounds for him to be charged with any offense.
The toll system covers only 15% of the road network
This was announced today by Regional Development minister Grozdan Karadjov. He said that trucks pay for only 15% of the national road network, but use all 20 000 km, which are maintained with budget money, and this must be addressed. The toll system was supposed to cover the costs of a 6050 kilometer network, but the second-class network was excluded and only 3115 kilometers are actually incorporated into the charge, Karadzhov added. He added that he would supervise a detailed audit of the system.
Subsistence costs rose in 2021
One working person needed a monthly salary of 1479 levs (756 euro) in Bulgaria for his/her subsistence in 2021, according to data from the Institute of Social and Trade Union Research. The findings were presented to the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria. This is a rise of 130 leva compared to the cost of living in 2020. For a three-member household, including parents and a child, the required monthly minimum net income for subsistence was 2066 levs.
The new government has faced a concerted attack about its energy policies. Many municipalities led by the ex-ruling party GERB complained about high electricity bills and have even resorted to turning off street lights overnight. But the truth is that municipalities will shortly receive compensation for December and January, so the action appears to be a political protest against the government of Kiril Petkov.
