Meglena Kuneva, Bulgaria's former EU Commissioner who is now the leader of her own political party "Bulgaria for Citizens" is warning of a huge "disaster" over tempering with national statistics data.

"We must be prepared for a big catastrophe. It is called Bulgarian statistics, whose numbers are manipulated, and when Brussels realizes this, it would lead to a disaster. Just look at what is happening in neighboring Greece," Kuneva, cited by the Bulgarian 24 Chassa (24 Hours) daily, has said during a meeting with voters in the southern town of Assenovgrad.

She stressed that at times when the country is devastated by unemployment and lack of jobs, those in power trump how Bulgaria has leaped 12 spots ahead in the global competitiveness ranking.

The former EU Commissioner labeled the above a "disgusting lie," adding that 286 000 people lost their jobs in recent years, which is the population of a Bulgarian city. She explained that when one adds their dependents, the total number of people affected by unemployment is 600 000.

"Instead of working round-the-clock to find a solution, the "dirty" coalition in the Parliament feeds itself with scandals and bragging. What should we do with our economy? First, we must make a diagnosis and look at the reserves for growth. Our proposal is to preserve and help the small and medium businesses and consumers," Kuneva pointed out.

She further explained that if she could, she would lower Value Added Tax, VAT, for medications and school books under the example of Germany, but only during a fifth year in office. The first three must be used to fill the "holes" in the tax administration and counter the large-scale contraband, according to her.

The ex-EU Commissioner further stated that she would support the idea of calling a Great General Assembly to amend the Constitution and allow the country to have its "dreamed about" judicial system.

"If I am to be in office, I would commit to never ever allow political interference with the judiciary," she concluded.

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