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The government: 100 days in office

Photo: BGNES
Prime Minister Boyko Borissov gave a “Very Good (5)” mark (out of 6) to the first 100 days in office of the GERB government. He identified the country’s financial stability and regaining of trust of EU institutions to Bulgaria that has resulted in a tangible flow of EU funds, as the top achievements of his cabinet during its first 100 days. Borissov also said that in October budget revenues had exceeded expenses with EUR 4 million, a precedent since July when a record deficit was seen. Opinions of politicians from various parties regarding commitments fulfilled or not by GERB, varied widely. The leader of Democrats for a Stronger Bulgaria and co-chairman of the Blue Coalition Ivan Kostov rates as the government’s top achievement keeping and even increasing public trust, which, Mr Kostov believes, is a key factor for dealing with the crisis. He also praised the prime minister for his swift and adequate reactions. UDF leader and Blue Coalition co-chairman Martin Dimitrov gave a more lukewarm judgment. Mr Dimitrov even asked why unproductive officials appointed by the former government had not been dismissed. He went on to warn that a failure to sack them would spell problems for GERB. The nationalist party Ataka confirmed its unconditional support for Boyko Borissov. Comments that came from the Socialist Party were rather negative though. Former Finance Minister Plamen Oresharski said on behalf of BSP that he saw nothing happening from the election vows of the government. The former rulers gave it a score of just 2.5 points out of 6 and accused it of having lost the last three months in acts of revanchism.

What did Boyko Borissov promise?

Keeping a balanced budget, low taxes, cuts to social security contributions, structural reforms, more transparency, high-quality and efficient administration, combating crime and corruption, as well as regaining the trust of European institutions. The premier also vowed that by the end of the mandate Bulgaria would have three completed express highways, new regional waste depots and water treatment plants.

What has the government achieved in its first 100 days?

PM Boyko Borissov still enjoys high public trust. According to public opinion polls his rating is as high as 75% of approval. Despite the crisis still raging, 40% of Bulgarians think that the country is on the right track. About 50% are convinced that the government is set to achieve tangible results in cracking down on corruption. Most Bulgarians think that the new government should hold the former ruling coalition responsible for its acts. Analysts point out that high trust in Boyko Borissov is due to that most of them see him as their equal. For the time being the Bulgarian prime minister has enjoyed firm international support. At the start of his mandate he met in Paris with French President Nicolas Sarkozy while his Italian counterpart Silvio Berlusconi visited Sofia. European Commission officials have made it clear they lay hopes on him. With his clearly worded determination to fight corruption and crime Boyko Borissov has succeeded in regaining the trust of European institutions in Bulgaria. This has led to unfreezing of EU funds. Besides the EC has approved EUR 300 million in compensations to Bulgaria for the early closedown of units of the Kozlodui NPP. The government started work with a review of the mandate of the three-party coalition and disclosed a few flagrant corruption cases. Reforms of the customs and of the National Revenue Agency have been launched in a bid to crack down on contraband. The launch of some important infrastructure projects has been accelerated with the purpose of supporting the ailing construction sector. The new government has declared its plans for more transparent policies. The first step in this respect was publishing the verbatim reports from Council of Ministers sittings. The new government has reopened trilateral dialogue with the employers and trade unions.

What did the Borissov government fail to do in the first 100 days?

Of course, there is a lot of criticism for the work of the government too. It is criticized for not functioning as a team, with cabinet ministers making contrary statements. The trade unions are not happy with the 2010 draft budget. The lack of clarity on some major projects such as the Belene NPP is also a drawback, analysts say. No corrupt officials from high places in power have been brought to justice as yet. Forecasts suggest that the worst period of the crisis will come in early 2010. This is likely to emerge as the greatest challenge to the popularity of Boyko Borissov.

English version: Daniela Konstantinova
По публикацията работи: Rumyana Tzvetkova


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