site.btaPackage of Measures Necessary Due to High Fuel Prices, Overall Price Pressure - President

President Iliana Iotova Friday commented on rising fuel prices due to the conflict in the Middle East, as well as on a proposed measure to provide financial support to the most vulnerable groups. She was speaking in Pernik, where she took part in celebrations marking the International Francophonie Day at the Simeon Radev Foreign Language High School. 

According to her, the proposed measure represents a “first, very small measure” aimed at those most affected, but she noted that it had not been personally discussed with her. Iotova expressed expectation to see whether the methodology proposed by the Council of Ministers would prove effective and called for a broader and more comprehensive package of measures to tackle rising prices. In her words, the international economic environment continues to deteriorate, which will inevitably affect fuel prices and, consequently, the cost of goods and services in Bulgaria.

The Vice President stressed the need for policies that protect both the economy and businesses, including through alternative measures already implemented in other European Union Member States. She also voiced disappointment with the latest meetings in Brussels, noting that she had expected more concrete proposals from European institutions. According to her, for now reliance remains largely on actions by individual Member States depending on their specific circumstances.

Iotova also announced that she will meet with the Commission for Protection of Competition on Tuesday to review their analyses and proposals related to price levels. She emphasized the importance of assessing whether the powers granted to the commission are being used effectively to stabilize the market and prices, adding that Bulgarians are struggling” and that an active institutional response is needed.