D. MITREV: COSTLY ELECTIONS ARE BETTER THAN DOUBTS ABOUT THEIR INTEGRITY

„Our expectations of the cabinet are the same as of all previous governments, with the proviso that our expectations of a caretaker government are above all that it should carry out its duties with integrity, particularly in organizing fair elections.“ This was stated by Dobri Mitrev, President of the Bulgarian Industrial Association, on the program “Denyat na zhivo” on Nova News, hosted by Nedelina Aneeva.

He called for the accelerated drafting and submission of the extension to the State Budget Act, as the current law expires at the end of March.

“We hope that after the elections we will have a regular government, because Bulgaria faces many challenges and it is extremely important for a regular cabinet to have strong political backing, but even more important is the support of Bulgarian society,” Dobri Mitrev said.

“I do not believe that the relevant ministries have unjustifiably inflated the cost of the elections,” the BIA President said in response to a question about the election budget approved by the government today. According to Dobri Mitrev, the higher costs are due to increased remuneration for the election administration. “No one has promised us that democracy is cheap. It is better to pay this price than to see dissatisfied people in the streets. Elections are a very complex process, and the people involved in election commissions, municipalities, the Interior Ministry and other institutions make an enormous contribution and should not be treated lightly. That is why it is important for them to be competent, well trained and prepared, and above all honest,” Dobri Mitrev added.

“Unlike in the public sector, wages in the private sector are earned. Private employers rely on their own work, capabilities and risks in order to pay their employees. Business receives no compensation. The last compensation for electricity was paid out for April last year. Two mechanisms have been adopted, and neither is working. Possible compensation may come after July 1 this year,” Dobri Mitrev said, emphasizing that in January there were days when the price of electricity exceeded €250. “This price is automatically passed on to the prices of goods and services. The rise in prices is primarily due to the increase in electricity prices, water and utility services, and labor costs,” the BIA Preesident stated.