Kostadinov: Sanctions against Lukoil will not affect Bulgaria

The sanctions imposed on the Russian oil company Lukoil will not affect Bulgaria, announced the leader of the Vazrazhdane party, Kostadin Kostadinov, speaking to journalists in the corridors of the parliament. The reason for the statement was the sanctions imposed by the United States of America on two Russian oil companies, including Lukoil.

According to Kostadinov, the company has been working with suppliers outside the European Union (EU) since 2022. He stressed that the only way the sanctions could have an impact is through attempts by political forces from the ruling parties and the opposition to use the situation to try to gain control over this business.

In search of more information, Kostadinov shared that he had sent an inquiry to the Netherlands through the European Parliament to find out if the issue with Lukoil had been discussed, specifying that the company is Dutch. He noted that according to the information received, the issue was not the subject of discussions there.

"Let's first see what the company's headquarters will do, and then see the reaction of its subsidiaries in Russia," Kostadinov emphasized. He added that Lukoil in Bulgaria is not independent and decisions will be made outside the country.

Kostadinov also commented on a statement by Ivaylo Mirchev, according to whom it is good for "Lukoil" to be freed from the refinery in the city, as it represents part of Russian influence, but emphasizing that the refinery should not fall into the hands of the Bulgarian mafia. "I would ask Mirchev, when he looks in the mirror, doesn't he see Peevski, because they are saying the same thing," Kostadinov stated.

The leader of Vazrazhdane also touched upon the topic of the data of the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB), according to which foreign investments in Bulgaria have decreased by 12%. He expressed his opinion that investors are leaving the country due to the uncertainty of whether a special law affecting their business will be adopted.

Turning to the topic of the withdrawn accreditations of journalists in the parliament, Kostadinov expressed his indignation, emphasizing that no distinction should be made between journalists from large and small, independent media. According to him, journalists from the smaller media often become inconvenient and begin to be subjected to pressure.