The Bulgarian Parliament reached a significant consensus on legislative changes related to the introduction of the single European currency. The bill was supported by 116 MPs, demonstrating political coherence on an extremely important economic issue.
The key texts of the document regulate the equal visual representation of prices in levs and euros, with the aim of preventing potential consumer manipulations. Drastic financial sanctions of up to 200 thousand levs are envisaged for improper price increases.
The government receives expanded control functions, with the National Revenue Agency and the Consumer Protection Commission being able to request detailed information about factors provoking price increases. These extraordinary measures will be in effect from August 8 of the current year until the end of 2026.
Political formations took different positions on the bill. Representatives of "Democratic Bulgaria" defined the proposal as left-wing populism, comparing it to practices from before the democratic changes. GERB leader Boyko Borissov supported the regulatory mechanisms, defining them as necessary to limit speculative actions.
MP Ivaylo Mirchev from "We Continue the Change" criticized the government approach, insisting on more transparent market practices. His proposal includes daily public announcement of market prices in commercial establishments.
Atanas Atanasov from the BSP emphasized that the bill aims to transform formal price control into a real instrument of impact. According to him, the proposed texts provide real opportunities for checks without violating the principles of free competition.
The legislative initiative provoked serious discussions, but ultimately was supported by the majority of MPs, which shows political will to regulate market processes during the currency transition.