Winter of Huge Discontent Looms in Bulgaria - Economists

In January 1997, large scale protests led to the toppling of the Socialist cabinet of Prime Minister, Zhan Videnov. Photo www.bnews.bg

Bulgaria is steadily heading to a winter of discontent, nationwide rallies, and political crisis that will topple the Socialist-led government of Prime Minister, Plamen Oresharski.

The dim forecast was made Friday by two Bulgarian economists from the opposite ends of the political spectrum – the leftist Kolio Paramov and the rightist Evgeni Kanev.

They joined around the opinion the government was implementing populist measures to buy itself some support.

According to Paramov, the upcoming winter will be worse even than the one that is known as "Videnov's Winter," when groceries disappeared from stores, the inflation skyrocketed and a number of banks declared bankruptcy.

"It will be the same; it will be just named differently," said Paramov.

He noted the government is taking loans, but at the same time the economy is not improving to help repay them.

Paramov predicts that in the winter, when unemployment and utility bills increase, people from the province will come to Sofia to join the rallies that will sweep the government.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!