Atanas Pekanov: The state is not facing bankruptcy, but there are risks in the long-term development of public finances

The state is not on the verge of bankruptcy and has stable public finances, said the Deputy Prime Minister for European funds management in the official office Atanas Pekanov on Nova TV. He pointed out that our country has the second lowest debt to gross domestic product in Europe.

"There are risks regarding the long-term development of public finances. These risks should not be kept silent. They are a very extreme option that will not be reached, but we are obliged to say - the deficit cannot be 7%," commented Pekanov.

With regard to the budget that the interim government will propose, the minister indicated that there will be an increase in social costs for pensioners and teachers, but a decrease in other costs. "The business aid program was extremely generous. Aid should be given to the most vulnerable and endangered companies, not to all," he explained.

An income policy can exist when it targets the groups to be helped. Atanas Pekanov explained that the generous benefits that went to everyone could be reduced.

According to him, there should be a regular cabinet with a set program because there are many things that need to be done. According to him, there are clear priorities around which the parties should unite.

Income policies - social protection, but also sustainable public finances. Judicial reform – this is not something abstract that has yet to be discussed. Things about judicial reform are clearly listed in the Recovery and Sustainability Plan (RSP) and are a condition for our country to receive European money, said Pekanov. He noted that our country will receive about BGN 1.5 billion when it implements the judicial system reforms set out in the PVA. The bills have been prepared, coordinated with the European institution, Pekanov said.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the judicial reform will help reduce corruption in the state.

European integration and Bulgaria's Schengen membership are other priorities around which political formations can unite, according to him. Our country has been fulfilling the technical criteria for Schengen membership for years, but there are some countries that want even more signals that Bulgaria is ready to reform. The necessary laws have been written and can be voted on next month, explained Atanas Pekanov.