Bulgarian EconMin Shows No Regrets over Belene NPP Scandal

Bulgaria's Minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism Traicho Traikov. Photo by BGNES

Bulgaria's Minister of Economy and Energy Traicho Traikov has said he "stays behind his words and actions" after "firing" the National Electric Company head for signing an annex to the agreement with the Russian side on the country's Belene NPP.

" Before my whole team I strictly prohibited National Electric Company head to sign the agreement as he showed it to me," Traikov stated, explaining that the annex in question has been shown to him by Parvanov in its initial and legally binding for Bulgaria form. According to it, Bulgaria was obliged to conclusively sign on Belene by June 30.

"Fortunately, Finance Minister Simeon Djankov changed the document, the Minister of Economy and Energy added.

After not appearing before the Bulgarian Parliament for 2 days, Traikov attended it to hold a hearing on what exact documents have been signed for the Belene Nuclear Plant.

The scandal broke Tuesday after the Director of the National Electric Company, NEK, Krasimir Parvanov, signed an agreement with Russia's Rosatom's subsidiary Atomstroyexport, called by Traikov a breach of national security because it potentially binds Bulgaria to build its second NPP in the Danube town of Belene with Russian participation.

Traikov slammed Parvanov and announced he is going to be fired, but the dismissal was later overturned by Prime Minister Boyko Borisov.

Borisov harshly criticized the Energy Minister's hasty and emotional reaction and threatened him with being kicked out of office.

It turned out that Parvanov has coordinated his actions with Deputy Prime Minister, Simeon Djankov, who oversees finance and economy.

It is still an open question whether the signed document is legally binding. The issue has stirred heated debates in Bulgaria as it comes before the two sides agree on the price of the project and conduct safety checks.

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