Planned rises in property tax valuations will lead to higher local taxes, even though municipalities have not changed their rates, GERB MP Zhecho Stankov said in Burgas. He says the ruling parties are shifting responsibility for unpopular financial decisions onto mayors.
"I think this is an active measure against local authorities. Because people will come first and ask: 'What did you do with the taxes?'" Stankov said.
He was speaking at a GERB meeting in Burgas on the draft 2027 state budget and its effect on incomes, business and municipalities. MPs Galya Vasileva and Zhecho Stankov hosted the event, which was opened by Andrey Runchev, GERB's municipal chair in Burgas.
Municipal councillors, party members and supporters filled the hall. Rositsa Kirova, an MP and chair of the parliamentary tourism committee, also attended. The discussion was open and covered the political and economic situation, the problems of local government and the priorities of GERB's parliamentary group.
Stankov says the state has no working measures against inflation. He says expensive electricity, fuel and natural gas feed straight into the prices of goods and services, and households bear the burden. He reminded the meeting that GERB proposes a lower fuel tax and the return of a working scheme to compensate business when electricity prices are high.
The MP says timely help for firms decides whether jobs are kept and whether price rises are limited. Stankov also said he is worried about the new state debt planned and the rising cost of servicing it.
Galya Vasileva said GERB's group in parliament is smaller but keeps putting forward proposals on issues that affect people. She accused the majority of failing to keep its social promises and of not giving municipalities extra money. Vasileva called GERB's Burgas branch strong and motivated.
"What sets us apart from everyone else is that we are together, united and close-knit," Vasileva said.
Kirova praised GERB's Burgas branch for its activity and unity. She says institutions must work together to protect the Black Sea coast and tourism. She said there need to be clear rules on how to respond to incidents at sea, and responsible communication with the public. Kirova believes any measures should be explained openly, without needless alarm and without harming the good name of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast.
She says the upcoming Eurovision in Burgas is a chance to make the region better known and to develop its infrastructure over the long term.