Bulgarian Govt Denies Reports of Plans to Privatize Posts

Trade unions raised the alarm earlier this week that behind-the-curtain talks for the privatization of a 49% stake in the Bulgarian Posts company are underway. Photo by Sofia Photo Agency

The Bulgarian cabinet has no intention whatsoever to privatize the public mail service, stated Bulgaria's Transport and Communications Minister Danail Papazov.

Thursday Papazov gave an interview for TV7, in answer to trade unions' reports that currently secret talks are being held for the privatization of 49% of the Bulgarian Posts company.

"I have never been present at a discussion of a possible privatization. At this moment, there is also no interest from a partner to buy Bulgarian Posts," said the minister.

However, Papazov added that should there be interest in that, the government is ready to start a public-private partnership, as also agreed by trade unions.

The minister further reiterated his commitment to a healing program for the company.

"I guarantee that by the end of this year, Bulgarian Posts will be in an excellent condition that they were not in end of last year," said he.

He explained that with restructuring of the Transport Ministry's budget, the ministry allotted a further BGN 2 M million for the mail company, and further funds will be negotiated with the Ministry of Finance.

Papazov also said that there is no layoff program planned for Bulgarian Posts.

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