MPs from the ruling parties and the opposition reacted sharply to remarks by the chief executive of Kaufland Bulgaria. After the Commission for Protection of Competition issued a large fine, he compared the possible economic fallout with the collapse of Corporate Commercial Bank (KTB).

Yesterday economy minister Alexander Pulev told the chief executive that the government will not back down to the chain.

What happened before: Pulev to Kaufland boss: The government will not back down to the chain

"To make threats against the state, to make threats against the institutions – this is absolutely unacceptable," said Ivan Angelov of the Progressive Bulgaria group. He said Bulgaria's market is well developed and competitors would quickly fill the chain's place.

GERB leader Boyko Borisov called the remarks unacceptable. He said the chief executive should take responsibility and that he assumes the man will be fired. Borisov added that this government could get on anyone's nerves, and noted that the chief executive is Bulgarian. He said oligarchs around Radev have seen an interest in the chains and their properties and will try to drive them out.

Ivaylo Mirchev, co-leader of Yes, Bulgaria, said the chain has no right to treat people and shoppers arrogantly, or to use unfair trading practices against Bulgarian producers. He called on the government not to drive away foreign investors.

Bogdan Bogdanov of the PP group said the remarks were at the very least inappropriate. He said the state must look after its investors well and give them certainty so they will invest money in Bulgaria.

Kostadin Kostadinov, leader of Vazrazhdane, called the director's words "an unprecedented attack by a foreign company on Bulgaria's financial sovereignty and stability."

Vazrazhdane will file a complaint with the prosecutor's office "as soon as possible" if prosecutors do not act on their own.