Bulgaria's Draft Budget for 2025: 3% Deficit, State Debt Growth, and Key Tax Changes
The Bulgarian Ministry of Finance has unveiled the draft budget for 2025, alongside the updated medium-term fiscal forecast covering 2025 to 2028
Acting Minister of Transport, Georgi Gvozdeikov, has taken the unprecedented step of canceling the tender for the supply of 35 single-deck motor trains, valued at a staggering BGN 1.1 billion, under the ambit of the Recovery Plan. This pivotal decision was officially announced by the Ministry of Transport, marking a significant departure from the initial procurement process.
The rationale behind this abrupt shift stems from the findings of the commission tasked with evaluating the offers submitted during the tender, which commenced on January 26. It was determined that the technical specifications put forth by the two participating entities failed to align with the stringent requirements governing aspects such as delivery timelines, certification protocols, and other critical technical details essential for the seamless integration of the trains into operational service.
In light of these discrepancies, the Ministry of Transport has opted to pivot towards a model of direct contracting for the procurement of the trains. This strategic pivot is justified by citing the "specificity and complexity of the project to modernize the railway rolling stock," underscoring the need for a more tailored approach to sourcing these vital assets.
Gvozdeikov, in a statement addressing the media, emphasized the intention to foster a competitive environment by inviting a diverse array of participants to engage in negotiations. The overarching objective is to optimize competition, thereby ensuring the attainment of the most favorable terms and conditions for the procurement process.
President Rumen Radev will begin consultations with parliamentary groups in the 51st National Assembly on December 10, according to the press office of the President.
The new Speaker of the National Assembly, Natalia Kiselova, has scheduled an extraordinary parliamentary session for December 10 at 1:00 p.m.
After ten failed attempts to elect a speaker, Bulgaria's parliament finally reached a decision, appointing Assoc. Prof. Natalia Kiselova from the "BSP - United Left"
Boyko Borissov, leader of GERB, has signaled a potential shift in strategy following unexpected developments in the ongoing attempts to form a government and elect a Speaker of the National Assembly
For the tenth consecutive time, the National Assembly failed to elect a Speaker
Bulgaria's Ministry of Defense has confirmed that the government has approved the provision of additional military assistance to Ukraine, as part of its ongoing support
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