Peevski helps save Zhelyazkov's government
Delyan Peevski has once again saved Rosen Zhelyazkov's government, with his support helping the ruling coalition easily overcome the second no-confidence vote the cabinet has faced since its formation.
Boyko Borissov, leader of GERB - the party holding the mandate - announced that the new governing formula will be a minority cabinet, after Ahmed Dogan's MRF faction joined the opposition. Borissov even suggested the cabinet might prove stable enough to survive repeated opposition-led no-confidence votes (planned every two weeks) and complete a full term in office.
Peevski, leader of MRF New Beginning, said that in exchange for his support of the GERB-BSP-There Is Such a People (ITN) alliance, he had only received assurances that the government would "work for the people." Still, the cabinet's growing dependence on Peevski coincided with Borissov rushing to defend him. Yesterday, the GERB leader claimed Peevski was not sanctioned under the global anti-corruption Magnitsky Act, and today he announced a protest against those protesting against Peevski.
Smart Organic acquires UK-based LoveRaw
Bulgarian organic food producer Smart Organic, best known for its RooBar healthy bar line, announced that it is acquiring the British company LoveRaw Limited. The UK-based company operates in the same segment, producing foods that are free of milk, palm oil, and artificial ingredients.
The value of the acquisition will be revealed at a later stage and will be reflected in Smart Organic's report for its investors on the Stock Exchange in the second quarter. Following the news, the company's shares on the BSE rose slightly by around 0.75% to 27.40 levs per share. Yesterday, the organic food producer also reported rather strong performance data in the first quarter of 2025.
Household incomes outpace expenses in 2024
In 2024, the annual growth of household incomes exceeded that of expenses, according to data from the National Statistical Institute. The average annual income per household member reached 12,857 levs, marking an 18.5% increase compared to 2023. In contrast, average annual expenses per person stood at 11,712 levs, up by 16.6% year-on-year.
Salaries remain the main source of income, followed by social transfers such as pensions and benefits.
Food and beverages continue to be the largest expense category, increasing by 12.4% year-on-year to 3,357 levs, or amounting to about 29% of total household spending. Housing-related costs came in second, rising 8.6% to 1,830 levs. In third place were taxes and social insurance contributions, which grew by 21% to 1,640 levs.
Peevski helps save Zhelyazkov's government
Delyan Peevski has once again saved Rosen Zhelyazkov's government, with his support helping the ruling coalition easily overcome the second no-confidence vote the cabinet has faced since its formation.
