Bulgarian Prime Minister, Plamen Oresharski, photo BGNES
Bulgaria now has the most academic, non-partisan government, strongly working with the NGO sector, according to Prime Minister Plamen Oresharski.
Oresharski spoke before the Members of the Parliament Thursday, giving an account for the first 100 days in office of his government.
The report was titled "100 Days, 100 Measures," and handed in advance as hard copy to the lawmakers, before being presented in person by the PM in plenary hall.
His presentation was met with strong applause by the ruling majority and with shouts "resignation" by the opposition.
The Deputy Speaker of the Parliament from the left-wing Bulgarian Socialist Party, BSP, Maya Manolova, was too quick to give Oresharski the floor, which turned into a gaffe and prevented the public radio and TV from airing the report live as no one had enough time to make the required official request.
The report further notes that the Cabinet includes 6 associate professors and 4 professors, only four party members, and 7 women out of a total of 18.
Oresharski grounded his statement that the government is working together with citizens and NGOs on the fact that 83 of the 100 measures have been prepared with the participation of 50 public councils and working groups. The document further notes that this is the sole government that has been functioning in a very complex and difficult political environment and amidst protest rallies since its first days in office.
The PM explained the Cabinet had prepared 200 measures, but the 100 presented by him were the most important, with the strongest social effect. He informed that at the Wednesday meeting of the Council of Ministers, a new package with 80 measures for reducing administrative red tape has been debated.
The government has also reexamined the concession contracts, has handled successfully pressure to increase once again electricity prices, Oresharski stressed, and promised an imminent and serious reform in the energy sector. He also accounted for a speedily-passed health strategy, and a strong focus on the labor market with a package of measures against youth unemployment.
Other achievements included improving police work, whom he praised for their handling of the protest rallies, and taking the first steps towards reducing petty crime.
"I will count on you being critical, because I believe this will be constructive criticism," the PM concluded, addressing the lawmakers.