Top Nationalist Applauds PM for Russian-Bulgarian Gas Talks

The leader of the Bulgarian far-right, nationalist Ataka party, Volen Siderov, believes the outcome of the Bulgarian-Russian energy talks proves he has been right to be the stronger supporter of the GERB rule. Photo by BGNES

The leader of the Bulgarian far-right, nationalist Ataka party, Volen Siderov, gave Saturday very high marks to the cabinet of the ruling center-right GERB party for the outcome from the talks with Russia on gas prices and energy projects.

Siderov said the Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB) party government and Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, are the very first ones to resolve the issue with Russia on energy matters, all by acting very diplomatically and avoiding uncalled for conflict with Moscow.

“This is the very first time Bulgaria has a cabinet and a Premier who showed political will to protect our interests, to resolve the issue with these intermediaries, who were concluding contracts with Russia for the gas supply. This all started in the beginning of the 90s and never stopped. These intermediaries, as we see now, amassed billions at the expense of Bulgarian consumers and of the industrial sector,” Siderov said, adding the negotiated gas price reduction also deserves high marks regardless of the yet unknown amount.

The Ataka leader further applauded Borisov’s take on the Russian gas line South Stream project, pointing out the latter’s efforts to find the most beneficial for Bulgaria outcome.

“I am certain the PM will achieve the best for the country. It is very important to note we finally have a cabinet that can find solutions. The Bulgarian-Russian energy talks are an affirmation of my rightness to support GERB. All my critics must now admit defeat,” Siderov concluded.

Meanwhile, leaders of other political formation offered more cautious praise – the leader of the right-wing Union of Democratic Forces (UDF), Martin Dimitrov, pointed out eliminating the intermediaries is good, but lowering gas supply prices is more important. Dimitrov was backed by his coalition partner – the Democrats for Strong Bulgaria (DSB) party in asking for a gas price lower than 20% and separating Russian energy projects in Bulgaria from negotiating of the gas deliveries in order to protect the country’s national interests.

The Member of the Parliament from the opposition Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) and former Energy Minister, Rumen Ovcharov, said the news about the intermediaries is great, but must be documented in a contract, otherwise it will just have an instant PR effect.

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