Bulgarian FinMin Sacked for Being Poor Communicator

Now-former Bulgarian Finance Minister, Simeon Djankov, had done a great job in maintaining fiscal discipline and stability, but has been a poor communicator.

The statement was made Tuesday at a special emergency press conference by Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov. His words are the very first official explanation of why Djankov, purported to be one of the best ministers since the Cabinet of Borisov's Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria party, GERB, took office and constantly receiving praise by the PM, had to be let go so suddenly.

Djankov resigned Monday, stunning many in Bulgaria and abroad.

"He had no support within the party. He had only my support. His role was crucial and a very good one and it is not coincidently Bulgaria is receiving such good marks for the fiscal stability. But he could not communicate well with his colleagues; other ministers kept coming to me to beg me to talk to him," said Borisov.

When asked if he had a tipoff Djankov has been involved in corruption practices, the PM replied he did not.

Borisov admitted he felt truly alarmed by low incomes of Bulgarians rather than the political struggles, stressing the European Commission could halt the negotiated EU funds if the unrest in the country continues.

The emergency briefing Tuesday came in the aftermath of large-scale protest rallies staged for ten days now across the country against high utility bills.

Among other reasons to oust Djankov, Borisov noted the fact his wife and children live in the US, and he traveled frequently to be with them, which has delayed by months the making of important decisions. Another reason mentioned was the Finance Minister's failure to bring to end the so-called electronic government despite making a commitment to do so, and the delay in paying subsidies to grain producers, with the latter circulating in the media as the possible last strike against Djankov.

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