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Criticized by Brussels, government in Sofia receives support from business

БНР Новини
The risks for the country given the expected wave of refugees are high and at times like this the government should not be unstable, said Kiril Domuschiev, Chairman of CEIBG after meeting with Prime Minister Boyko Borissov.
Photo: BTA

Yet another highly critical EC report on the state of justice and home affairs in Bulgaria was published just ten days ago. The report directly accuses the authorities in Sofia of idleness in these areas and points out that corruption is still rampant in this country. Recently, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker announced that Bulgaria could remain the only country under monitoring and control by Brussels because of Bulgaria’s inability to solve its own problems and the complete lack of any progress in the establishment of the rule of law. About a month ago the business in Bulgaria also voiced harsh criticism against the authorities, saying that the government was powerless against crime and corruption.

On top of that the threat to Bulgaria from the refugee wave that is expected to get stronger in the spring grows.

In a nutshell, the government of Prime Minister Borissov has to face problems coming from all sides at the backdrop of turbulent relations in the ruling coalition, a row with Greece over closed borders because of blockades of Greek farmers, and a motion of no confidence.

And suddenly Bulgarians witnessed a declaration of love, hugs, smiles, and loyalty, just like in a fairy tale.  This was the sudden and spectacular public reconciliation between the big business and the Prime Minister. One can rarely see such a theatrical production filled with optimism and cheerful feelings, but this was exactly the show that recently took place in the office of the Prime Minister, where Borissov where he almost kissed the chairman of the Confederation of Employers and Industrialists in Bulgaria Kiril Domuschiev who almost fell to his knees to show the appreciation of the business for the work of the government. A month ago, the same Domuschiev called for the immediate resignation of the right hand of Borissov - Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Rumyana Bachvarova. Now everything is different and the main message is: “Everything is OK and nobody should rock the boat of the cabinet.”

But what has caused this sharp turn and totally unexpected support for the government by the big business? This is the sense of self-preservation and the instinct for survival. Problems keep piling up and growing and they threaten the political and economic stability in the country. According to the PM, stability is the top priority of the government, while the business fears volatile situations and the lack of predictability in the state. That is why it would choose the lesser evil - the status quo. Bad or good, it is familiar and entrepreneurs somehow deal with it. The business benefits from the status quo, just like Borissov, who needs firm support right now. It is all just a win-win deal.

English: Alexander Markov


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