site.btaContinue the Change Co-Chair Vassilev: No Consumer Prices Surge Expected After Euro Adoption, Real Estate Properties May Increase

"There is no spike in consumer prices—that’s clear from the experience of all other countries that have adopted the euro. Fears of such increases are unfounded. Where a rise has been observed is in real estate prices, not consumer goods, so that’s where an increase is most likely," said Assen Vassilev, co-chair of Continue the Change, speaking to reporters in Parliament on Wednesday.

He recalled that property prices also rose after Bulgaria joined the EU and NATO.

Vassilev added that the public awareness campaign on eurozone membership has been significantly delayed. According to him, although some information exists, it is presented in a way that makes it difficult for people to understand what to look for and where.

Regarding healthcare wages, Vassilev commented that it is "abnormal" for medical workers to earn less than drivers in Sofia.

He also pointed out that the amendment to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) Act—which would provide free medications to children under 7—will not come into effect on July 1, as planned. The reason, he said, is that for over two months, the government has failed to adopt the necessary regulation to activate the change. Vassilev announced that the Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria coalition will request a hearing with the Minister of Health and the head of the NHIF on the matter.