A flurry of debates erupted in parliament today about the anti-corruption law, potential elections and the removal of the head of the energy regulator. The outcome of the third mandate - and if the Socialist Party (BSP) can lead Bulgaria into a new cabinet - is still unknown.
BSP to retain third mandate until mid-August
The BSP will retain the third mandate at least until August 15, so that parliament can initiate and complete a procedure for electing a new head of the Energy Regulator (CEWR) during that period, said BSP leader Kornelia Ninova. She added that the four party coalition - BSP, WCC, TSP and "Democratic Bulgaria" - will seek to cancel parliament's holiday in August.
Ninova also said that there will be a new chairman of CEWR on August 12 at the earliest. This means that the BSP has another three weeks to negotiate the formation of a government with its former coalition partners. It is still uncertain whether and how CEWR can vote for a natural gas price in August for the regulated energy market.
Bulgaria's national debt and GDP ratio of Bulgaria is Europe's third best
The latest Eurostat data for Q1 2022 shows the share of EU's debt falling from 88.1% in the first quarter of 2021 to 87.8% at the end of the first quarter in 2022. The lowest levels of GDP and national debt ratio are in Estonia (17.6%), Luxembourg (22.3%) and then, in third place, Bulgaria (22.9%).
Bulgaria's national debt was debated in June while discussions on the budget revision were raging. To everyone's surprise, a discussion was held over increasing the debt ceiling from BGN 7.3 billion to BGN 10.3 billion - which was carried out in the end.
1.32 billion dollars for 8 jets
Bulgaria will pay 1.32 billion dollars for the second installment of the batch of F-16 fighter jets, according to (resigned) Defense Minister Dragomir Zakov. Payment has to be effected within 9 years.
The preliminary contract, by comparison, was for 1.265 billion, but the entire sum was set to be paid at once. But more weapons and equipment will be delivered with this procurement.
"In practice, we will buy two slightly more expensive planes, two more spare engines, and five more short-range missiles. The most modern version of the medium-range missiles is planned, and we have ordered six additional ones. There are also more radars in the new delivery," Zakov added.
A flurry of debates erupted in parliament today about the anti-corruption law, potential elections and the removal of the head of the energy regulator. The outcome of the third mandate - and if the Socialist Party (BSP) can lead Bulgaria into a new cabinet - is still unknown.
