10.01.2024
Schengen is an achievement of the Government and the Parliament that have been working for seven months now. The benefits are for the tens of thousands of Bulgarian citizens travelling in Europe and for tourism alike. The statement was made by Prime Minister Acad. Nikolai Denkov who answered questions from citizens and from media for about an hour this morning on Facebook. The Prime Minister pointed out that after tough negotiations and with help from the European Commission, it was agreed to hold negotiations for Bulgaria’s accession to Schengen by land this year. In the words of Acad. Nikolai Denkov, we will seek a solution to Bulgaria’s accession by land alike this year.
The Prime Minister labeled as “falsehoods” all allegations that Bulgaria had agreed to host additional numbers of refugees. As he said, such insinuations are intended to scare the Bulgarian citizens and to belittle the cabinet’s achievements. Misinformation is a threat to national security when people are threatened with inexistent dangers, Acad. Nikolai Denkov pointed out. He stated firmly that Bulgaria sticks to the Dublin Regulation and interacts with the other member states in the border protection.
The Prime Minister confirmed the Government’s energetic work on the Euro zone that is the other key priority for Bulgaria. We are discussing measures with the Finance Minister as to what else we can do to reduce inflation quickly, Acad. Nikolai Denkov said. The Prime Minister pointed out that some of the inflation relates to the increase of incomes and higher economic growth, which is among the highest in Europe. Further, the Prime Minister recalled that in 2023 investment increased by over 50% as compared to the preceding year. It is important to attract investors who offer well-paid jobs, Acad. Nikolai Denkov added.
Regarding the National Infant Hospital, the Prime Minister stated that the procedure for the architecture and construction engineering of the hospital is about to start. An external consultant – the European Investment Bank – has been invited and this is an additional promise that the hospital will be provided with the best resources for its functions. Our goal is to build a hospital that is really useful and will not reflect lobbyist interests, Acad. Nikolai Denkov said firmly.
Healthcare, education and demographic policy will stay as a priority in the future. My plan for this year is to draft a program of government by the end of this term in office and give this program a strong focus on the problems in the said areas, the Prime Minister said. In his words, the upcoming rotation within the cabinet should seek maximum continuity so as not to hinder the performance of the cabinet. Each minister will be appraised based on the work done as per the program of government. The appraisal will be made by Prime Minister Acad. Nikolai Denkov and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mariya Gabriel.
