BSP's Zafirov Warns of Economic Collapse if State Budget Is Not Adopted

BSP - United Left Chair and Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov warned that failure to adopt the state budget would lead to economic, financial, and social collapse. Speaking to Bulgarian National Television on Tuesday, he urged all political parties to support the budget, CE Report quotes BTA

"There must be understanding, just as when we joined this government and set aside party egos," Zafirov said. He emphasized that the proposed budget would be the only viable option in the current situation.

According to him, many parties will need to make compromises, but the BSP will stand firm on avoiding austerity in the social sector, preventing tax hikes, and ensuring no cuts to social payments. He criticized the caretaker government for making financial promises without sufficient budgetary backing.

Zafirov also addressed the appointment of regulatory heads, stressing that professionalism should be the key criterion rather than political loyalty. Discussions on BSP's share in regulatory bodies were ongoing, but he insisted that expertise must take priority.

Commenting on the BSP leadership election, Zafirov stated that the party had transformed into a more democratic organization.

Regarding the appointment of Lyudmila Petkova to the Public Financial Inspection Agency, he clarified that this matter was not discussed at the Joint Governance Council and dismissed concerns over it as unnecessary fixation.