According to GERB MP and former Regional Minister Nikolay Nankov, Bulgarian citizens are being subjected to "lies and hypocrisy from morning till night" by the current minister, Ivan Shishkov. Nankov, who initiated the inquiry that revealed the ministry's financial expenditures, commented that while representatives of President Rumen Radev constantly claim the budget is "leaking" and insist on cutting wages due to public expectations, the ministry has somehow found funds for additional incentives. "It turns out there was money, even for bonuses," the MP added, while stressing that there are conscientious employees in the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works who deserve good treatment.
The data provided in an official report by Minister Shishkov shows that nearly 1 million euros were distributed as bonuses within the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works system during the second quarter of the year. The only exception where such remuneration was not distributed for the months of April, May, and June is the Road Infrastructure Agency.
Here is how the additional funds were distributed across the other structures:
- In the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, 580,782 euros were distributed to 400 employees. These amounts represent approximately 80% of the average remuneration for the respective position, with management staff receiving an average of 790 euros per month during the April-June period, state and chief experts – 568 euros each, senior experts – 468 euros each, and junior experts – 333 euros.
- In the Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre Agency, a total of 421 employees received a sum amounting to 133,000 euros.
- In the National Construction Supervision Directorate (DNSK), 318 employees distributed over 250,000 euros in bonuses for achieved results.