The measures proposed by the government are aimed at winning additional votes for the presidential candidate favored by the ruling majority, stated Vladislav Goranov of GERB-SDS. He added that today's statements are reminiscent of the beginning of the mandate, when it was announced that prices would be controlled, but the result was the highest inflation in the EU at 5.1%. According to Goranov, it is difficult to find proposals in a market economy that can effectively offset prices, while also noting that diesel is currently much more expensive at the same crude oil levels than it was years ago.
Regarding the steps to reduce fuel prices, Alexander Ivanov of GERB-SDS described the entire complex of measures as "adding fuel to the fire" of inflation. He emphasized that propane-butane is the cheapest and least used fuel, and that notifying a commission and adopting amended legislation will take considerable time. Ivanov expressed concerns regarding the budgetary impact of these measures, as they are not familiar with the details of the calculation and exactly how much this will cost the government. He also added that he does not believe the measure will reduce inflation, drawing attention to the distribution of the 50 euros during a campaign in which the government has a clearly supported candidate.
Temenuzhka Petkova, a Member of Parliament from GERB-SDS, commented to journalists in the corridors of Parliament that the proposed measures are poorly targeted. She pointed out that providing the so-called "inflation check" of 50 euros offers no guarantee that it will reach those most in need. According to Petkova, this is a "strange mixture" of measures — some have already been proposed, others are somehow embedded in the 2025 budget, and the third group are those that the Zhelyazkov cabinet government is actually implementing, such as aid for heavy goods transport.
Decisions regarding inflation aid and fuel prices will have a direct impact on the expenses of households and businesses in Burgas and the region.
The Member of Parliament also highlighted several strange facts in the plan proposed by Rumen Radev's government:
- Individuals are not required to provide documentation proving they own a vehicle.
- The distribution of vouchers is taking place just days before the start of the presidential election campaign.
- By the end of October, funds will be distributed to over 550,000 people who will receive the inflation check.