Rightist Leader: Bulgaria Has Enough Finances, Outgoing Govt Catastrophic

Bulgarian rightist party Democrats for Strong Bulgaria leader Ivan Kostov has renewed his criticism of outgoing PM Boyko Borisov's cabinet for failing to tackle people's problems.

"Boyko Borisov had at his disposal a budget worth BGN 5 B more than that in 2008. It is understandable if one meets catastrophe during times of extreme financial hardship, but under those circumstances it is a product of stunning agility," said Kostov at a press event Monday.

"So the budget is with 20% larger. You can imagine where that money went, if people are out on the streets," added the rightist leader.

Borisov's cabinet was toppled by weeks of popular protests against economic stagnation, low incomes and political corruption, with early elections looming in mid-May, just months before the end of the government's term in office in July.

According to Kostov, the caretaker cabinet set to govern Bulgaria in between will not have the opportunity to institute major reforms and its primary tasks will be to restore social and financial order, and to organize fair elections.

In particular Kostov, who was Bulgaria's PM 1997-2001, advised against any taking of state loans to boost incomes or stimulate the economy, a move which according to him will contribute to creating financial difficulties for the state.

• 1