site.btaUPDATED President Iotova Urges Government to Release Inflation Figures

President Iliana Iotova told reporters here on Monday that the government's first job should be to release the actual inflation figures. She expressed hope that the National Statistical Institute will provide reliable data on this issue, as well as on how much the cost of living for Bulgarians is actually rising.

Iotova said: "We should not delude ourselves. Let us face the truth as it is." She stated that there are measures the government can take immediately to bring prices under control. The President added: "The fruit and vegetable season is beginning, and the first measures must address this, because it is not normal for a country that produces its own food to have prices for basic fruits and vegetables that are simply astronomical."

Asked whether the new government will be able to reform the judicial system, Iotova said: "If the new majority, with the support of the opposition, manages to ensure justice, this will be a huge success for Bulgaria and for restoring trust in its institutions." She added that for a significant reform to be implemented in this area, it must be carefully considered. Iotova referred to the latest amendment to the Constitution and called them the result of "rather reckless approaches".