Bulgarian President-elect Sides with Embattled Researchers

Bulgaria's PM Boyko Borisov (l) and BAS Chair, Nikola Sabotinov. Photo by BGNES

Bulgaria's President-elect, Rosen Plevneliev, vowed Tuesday support for the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, BAS, in slating an additional BGN 5 M for their 2012 budget.

Plevneliev met for 2 hours with the BAS Board to discuss the researchers' problems and declared commitment to approach Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, and Finance Minister, Simeon Djankov, for more funding.

He stated his goal was to find a stable solution for BAS in the next three years, adding he had invited researchers to take part in two new councils to be established at the presidential institution – on education and innovations, and on spiritual and cultural advancement.

According to the President-elect, it is possible to give BAS another BGN 9-10 M by mid-2012.

Plevneliev pointed out the need of peace and calm at the Academy in order for scientists and researchers to focus on their tasks, not be scraping for money here and there.

BAS Chair, Nikola Sabotinov, commented he was delighted by the meeting.

Recently BAS employees staged two vigils in Sofia, demanding that the cabinet revises the budget slated for them for 2012 – BGN 54 M, saying they need BGN 94-98 M simply to survive.

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