site.btaDeputy PM Zafirov: State Can Tackle Water Crisis and Unfair Price Hikes

Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov said that the State can now address both the water crisis and speculative price hikes linked to Bulgaria’s eurozone accession, the Bulgarian Socialist Party press service said on Sunday. Zafirov met with the United Organization of Socialist Women during its 20th anniversary celebration.

Zafirov, who is a chair of the National Water Board, noted that solutions are already being implemented, but the process requires time. He echoed a statement by Environment and Water Minister Manol Genov, who, during a meeting of the Pleven Regional Crisis Committee on Friday, said “These solutions aren’t quick, and I understand the frustration—but people need to be patient.”

Zafirov noted that while years of inaction cannot be reversed overnight, initial progress is evident. BSP ministers now hold key positions and are ready to tackle upcoming challenges. Our role in government is clear: we confront crises directly and have the expertise to solve them, he said.

He congratulated attendees on the 20th anniversary of the United Organization of Socialist Women. “Your organization has brought fresh energy and has become the ideological backbone and moral compass of the party. Women in BSP have always championed critical thinking, solidarity and camaraderie; qualities that inspired us during the changes we initiated in the party,” Zafirov said.

Zafirov also drew attention to the issue of equality. “The State still owes a debt to women, who, according to the latest studies, receive around 15% lower pay for the same work. Our commitment is to change this,” he said.

In conclusion, Zafirov recalled that this year marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War. “This is the main challenge we face today, as war once again threatens our daily lives and risks undoing decades of hard-won peace. BSP remains the only authentic and active anti-fascist party in Bulgaria. We will continue to firmly resist any revisionist efforts to distort history,” he said.