Bulgaria cannot solve the problem with increasing petty and household crime in villages without increasing the number of police officers, and there is no funding for such move.

The statement was made by Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, speaking in a Monday morning interview for the largest private TV channel bTV.

Borisov explained that 70% - 75% of investments are in Sofia and did not miss to stress that better infrastructure would improve even the situation with home robberies. He rejected the option of increasing self-protection rights because both the perps and the victims of crimes were Bulgarian citizens.

"This is all we can do in this area. After all, we have priorities, and there are three of them – infrastructure, facilities and low taxes," the PM explained.

Commenting on the staggering problems with packs of stray dogs and their increased attacks on people, Borisov voiced his belief that the issue had been triggered by a too liberal and tolerant attitude towards these animals and the interference of animal rights NGOs. He gave as example his own experience as Mayor of Sofia when he had managed to reduce the number of stray dogs to 9 000 and euthanize every single aggressive animal.

The PM voiced deep regret for the demise of Professor Botio Tachkov, who died after being mauled by a pack of stray dogs, expressed condolences to the family, but reiterated firmly that aggressive dogs, roaming in packs, must be euthanized.

On the topic of shortage of funds for healthcare and of doctors, Borisov said that in reality Bulgarian medics make very good money.

"Good doctors earn times more than I do, their wages are in the vicinity of BGN 20 000 – 70 000 a month. They go to work abroad because they obtain very good education in Bulgaria," said he.

The PM confirmed the intentions to introduce on June 1 a full smoking ban in the country, without any exceptions.