Bulgaria Revokes Proposal for Nationalization of Power Distributors

Bulgaria's Parliament has revoked the proposal of nationalist party Ataka for a mandatory suspension of the licenses of the three power distributors operating in the country, CEZ, EVN, Energo-Pro and their nationalization.

On February 13, Ataka submitted a proposal for the government to start a procedure for the termination of the privatization contracts of the three power distributors within a month.

Under the proposal, the assets of the three companies were to be returned to the state.

Ataka leader Volen Siderov, as cited by Sega daily, argued that the power distributors had not kept the terms of the privatization contracts, they had inflated electricity bills, and the quality of services they offered was poor.

The proposal to move towards nationalization of the power distributors was rejected with 13 votes against, 12 votes for, and 45 abstentions.

The MPs are also to review the proposals of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) for a full moratorium on deals and construction works in the coastal areas of Irakli, Karadere, Kamchiyski Pyasaci – Shkorpilivtsi, Lake Durankulak - Sveta Anna, Krapets, Lake Shabla, Koral, Arkutino, Dyuni, Maslen Nos, Belite Skali, Boata, Yalata, Kaliakra, Rakitnik, Liman.

Bulgarian MPs are also to hold a second-reading debate on the proposals of the outgoing government for VAT Act amendments and the agreement on terminating Bulgaria's participation in the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline project.

Wednesday's parliament sitting started with a one-minute silence in memory of  Plamen Goranov, who passed away after setting himself on fire in front of the Varna Municipality building in protest against the corruption stifling the local administration of the Black Sea city.