site.btaMinister Suspends Payments, New Contracts in State-owned Transport Companies

Transport and Communications Minister Georgi Peev has ordered a temporary suspension of all payments and the assumption of new liabilities by public enterprises under the ministry’s authority, the Ministry of Transport and Communications’ press office announced on Tuesday.

The measure is part of a comprehensive analysis of the financial, administrative, and contractual status of the companies.

Expenditures not directly related to the current and uninterrupted operation of the companies are temporarily suspended. The signing of new contracts, annexes, the awarding of contracts, advance payments, and the launch of public procurement procedures are also suspended, except in cases of proven regulatory urgency.

The announcement says that companies should not take any actions regarding the disposal or acquisition of assets. The restrictions will not apply to remuneration under employment contracts, mandatory tax and social security contributions, payments to the budget, and utility services.

The decision was taken after the Minister of Economy, Investments, and Industry, Alexander Poulev, announced nearly identical measures on Monday. The minister justified his decision by citing the need to ensure consistency, predictability, and coordination in the management of public enterprises during the institutional transition.