site.bta National Ombudsman, Consumer Protection Commission Introduce Fast Track for Euro-related Complaints

National Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva and acting Chairman of the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) Alexander Kolyachev have agreed to introduce a "fast track" for complaints received by the public defender related to violated consumer rights and unjustified price increases following the introduction of the euro. The two met due to the  frequent reports to the Ombudsman about price increases for food, goods, and services, as well as public discontent with unclear commercial practices, lack of transparency in pricing, and citizens' fears that the transition to the euro is being used to artificially inflate prices, the Ombudsman's press centre reported.

"The introduction of the euro cannot be an excuse for putting price pressure on people. Our goal is to process reports quickly, transparently, and with real results," said the Ombudsman.

"The CPC responds and will respond to every report with inspections and all subsequent actions within the law against violators, so that citizens' rights are protected," the CPC Chairman said, as quoted in the statement.

Under the agreed fast track procedure, the Ombudsman will continue to send complaints requiring regulatory review to the CPC, but the Commission will consider them as a matter of priority and subsequently report on the results. The mechanism will also apply to providers of quick loans, public service providers, mobile operators, food retailers, and other products and goods related to citizens' daily expenses.

The first specific inspection on this issue will be carried out by the CPC at the children's milk kitchen in Vidin. Delcheva has also referred the case to Vidin Mayor Tsvetan Tsenkov, with a recommendation to investigate and take the necessary measures.