Bulgaria drops down economic freedom survey
Bulgaria is losing economic freedom due to setbacks in currency stability, increased bureaucracy, and lack of progress in the rule of law. These are the conclusions drawn for Bulgaria from the global economic freedom map published by the Canada-based Fraser Institute.
The 2024 edition, which pertains to 2023, gives Bulgaria a score of 7.16 out of 10, placing it 52nd in the world, down from 43rd in the previous edition when it was considered one of the world's freest economies. Last year, Bulgaria scored 7.46 overall, with its highest rating-9.4-being in the "monetary stability" category, which has now seen the biggest decline due to rising inflation. In 2023, the lowest score is the state of the judiciary, a category in which the country consistently performs poorly.
Revenue Agency shuts down 2,500 illegal gambling websites
The National Revenue Agency (NRA) has blocked more than 2,500 websites used for organizing gambling by companies without valid licenses, the institution reported. Nearly 640 of these sites were shut down just in the past month, with the assistance of the court.
The NRA also maintains an updated list of websites that offer gambling without a valid license under the Gambling Act. Consumers who encounter such sites can report them via email at [email protected].
State company funds used for luxury jewelry
The State Financial Inspection Agency has revealed that funds from a state-owned company were misused to purchase jewelry, luxury goods and perfumes. The case involves the National Company for Industrial Zones, which operates under the Ministry of Economy.
The financial inspection found that between June 2019 and July 2023, members of the board of directors spent company funds on personal luxury purchases, falsely reporting them as representative expenses. The total amount misappropriated is nearly 127,000 levs, most of which has been reimbursed by the 17 acting members of the board of directors during the inspection.
Bulgaria drops down economic freedom survey
Bulgaria is losing economic freedom due to setbacks in currency stability, increased bureaucracy, and lack of progress in the rule of law. These are the conclusions drawn for Bulgaria from the global economic freedom map published by the Canada-based Fraser Institute.
