We are ready to propose a regular budget if there is no governing majority in the next parliament. We are writing a draft of a regular budget. We want to be prepared and not delay the state, regardless of the political circumstances. He said this in an interview with "Osche od dny" on BNT the acting Minister of Finance Georgi Klisurski, quoted by novini.bg.
“We will most likely lose funds under the PVP, since the parliament did not adopt two key reforms: the Law on Water and Sewerage and the reform in BEH”, he also pointed out.
Tomorrow the government will submit an official request to the EC to receive the fourth payment under the PVP, which is in the total amount of 900 million euros. There is a possibility that we will lose up to 800 million euros of this amount and receive only 100. However, according to Klisurski, the cabinet is negotiating with the European Commission for Bulgaria to receive a larger amount.
“In the context of the conflict in the Middle East, the most vulnerable are a top priority for the government”, the minister said, emphasizing that at the same time it is necessary to nip inflation in the bud. This is precisely why the transport and agricultural sectors are being supported.
"We will support the transport sector so that transport costs are not passed on down the chain. We will support the agricultural sector so that food prices do not increase too much", Klisurski specified.
“The European Commission and the ECB recommend precisely measures that protect the most vulnerable, such as the 20 euro measure in Bulgaria. It would be pro-inflationary if it were for everyone and in unlimited quantities. Now, these 20 euros actually cover the increase in prices for a specific amount of fuel, for example, for 100 liters per month. That is why we are limiting the amount and scope of people who receive the aid, so as not to increase inflation and to control it as much as we can", the minister explained.
The government's package of measures is worth 100 million euros, with 40-50 million of them to be covered by not making other expenses. It is still unknown what. The remaining amount will come from additional VAT revenues resulting from the increase in gasoline and diesel prices.
"The measures can be developed. The current ones are serious and categorical, but we are ready, as the situation develops, to announce additional measures", he pointed out.
"The fiscal reserve is at a relatively high level of about 6 billion euros. The current deficit as of February is about 600 million euros, which is below 1% of GDP. These are still not high levels. There are ministries where there were unjustified inflated expenses. There are already financial inspections underway in the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, and soon in the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works", Klisurski also said.