Caretaker Finance Minister Georgi Klisurski addressed questions regarding the Bulgarian Development Bank (BDB) and the Investment Programme for Municipal Projects during a joint press conference with caretaker Regional Development Minister Nikolay Naydenov. Regarding the BDB, the government approved the withdrawal of EUR 1.4 billion in unused capital, which will return to the State budget. Klisurski explained the timing of this decision, stating that the caretaker Cabinet opted to announce it after the elections to prevent the issue from becoming a “political football.” He reiterated that the caretaker Government’s actions remain valid.
The minister noted that the State is the sole owner of the BDB’s capital and retains the right to adjust it. While the Cabinet initiated the capital reduction, Klisurski specified that subsequent approval from the Bulgarian National Bank and the European Central Bank is mandatory. On the topic of municipal funds, Klisurski expressed confidence that the BDB will disburse the EUR 80 million approved for municipal applications from the EUR 460 million allocated under the program extension budget.
He detailed the bank’s financial standing, noting that after receiving a EUR 600 million capital injection in January, the BDB possesses EUR 140 million more capital than is required for the entire municipal investment program. He also clarified that the future government will prepare the draft budget for future program funding.
Topics: #caretaker #minister #cabinet
