site.btaParliament Chair: Legislature's Priorities Are Smooth Transition to Euro, Joining OECD, Fixing Public Problems

Parliament Chair Nataliya Kiselova told reporters here on Saturday that Parliament will have three priorities once the new political seasons begins: smooth transition to the euro as the country's new currency, continued efforts to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and gradually addressing public problems such as water shortages, social issues, poor education.

Kiselova was at Shipka Peak for the events marking the 148th anniversary of the Battle of Shipka Pass.

Kiselova stated that everyone wants more money than the state has in total. She said that the challenge of adopting a budget in euro is the allocation of funds in such a balanced way, so that it does not feel like some sectors and municipalities are being favoured at the expense of others.

According to Kiselova, the water crisis in Pleven is not caused by insufficient funds but by the inaction of a former mayor. She alleged that the mayor's reasoning was: "I will not dig up the streets, because otherwise they would not reelect me."