Bulgaria’s newly-elected Prime Minister Roumen Radev has outlined his government’s ambition to tackle rising prices without imposing price ceilings, opting instead to employ market economy tools to address these challenges. Speaking on May 8, shortly after his administration was approved by Parliament, Radev emphasized the importance of reducing retail chains and preparing legislative changes to ensure fair competition in pricing. He asserted that the government would introduce stricter sanctions and control mechanisms to target those undermining normal competition, and highlighted the need to support Bulgarian producers against exploitative practices that push them to sell at cost, particularly in dairy and livestock sectors.
Radev convened his Cabinet’s first meeting, focusing on several key priorities including judicial reform, corruption eradication, and boosting healthcare, education, and transport infrastructure. He stated that having a comprehensive understanding of the country’s current state is crucial for implementing these priorities. The Prime Minister tasked ministers with conducting detailed analyses of their respective departments, particularly scrutinizing financial situations and identifying problematic contracts and public procurement issues. These evaluations will guide the drafting of the state Budget, ensuring it is aligned with existing ministry frameworks.
Judicial reform emerged as a significant point, with Radev advocating for an independent Prosecutor’s Office and a reformed Supreme Judicial Council. He stressed the importance of combating corruption and legal violations, noting the government’s intention to work with the National Assembly to appoint a new, independent Prosecutor General. Radev outlined plans to propose comprehensive judicial reforms to Parliament, aimed at ensuring faster, fairer, and more accessible justice in Bulgaria.
On the economic front, Radev emphasized the necessity of improving the business environment in Bulgaria to attract investments, enhance digitalization, and reduce regulatory burdens. He underscored the need to modernize the Bulgarian military and highlighted the Interior Ministry’s role in combating crime and addressing road safety. Drug trafficking among youth was identified as a national security threat. Furthermore, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of aligning Bulgarian foreign policy with national interests within international alliances.
In healthcare, Radev prioritized the construction of the National Children’s Hospital and vowed to eliminate abuses in the system, particularly the unethical trade of medicines. He called for guaranteed social payments to vulnerable groups, emphasizing societal solidarity. The government also aims to enhance transport connectivity through public-private partnerships, maximize domestic energy resource utilization for greater energy autonomy, and boost food security by protecting domestic production. Additionally, Radev highlighted the importance of environmental balance, cultural development, and promoting sports among Bulgarian children.