Mirchev calls for Lukoil ownership change, budget cuts

Yes, Bulgaria co-chair Ivaylo Mirchev stated that Bulgaria should appoint a special manager to control Lukoil’s operations while Russian ownership persists, then pursue an ownership transfer. The government must clarify whether mandatory 90-day fuel reserves exist rather than seeking sanctions exemptions from Trump and Putin, Mirchev told Bulgarian National Radio on Sunday. Officials rejected committee hearings after sanctions were imposed, prompting plans for a plenary discussion.

Bulgaria borrows over 70 million leva daily without explaining where borrowed funds benefiting future generations flow, Mirchev said. The 2025 budget allocates 7 billion leva through the Bulgarian Development Bank while administrative bloat continues. Right-wing measures would optimize spending and reduce bureaucracy, rather than fund salaries at the expense of investment.

MRF-New Beginning joining the coalition validates September’s no-confidence arguments that one person controls national decisions, Mirchev added. Healthcare illustrates institutional dysfunction: billions are directed to small groups while young physicians receive nothing. Private hospitals should receive public contracts for health fund services to eliminate inflated state pharmaceutical costs.