site.bta Finance Minister Goranov Confirms Discussions Were Held with Two Central Bank Governor Candidates

Finance Minister Goranov Confirms Discussions Were Held  with Two Central Bank Governor Candidates

Sofia, March 27 (BTA) - Finance Minister Vladislav Goranov
confirmed in front of journalists in Parliament on Friday that
discussions have been held with two candidates for the post of
Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) governor, who are currently
working at international financial institutions. The names
mentioned are Dimiter Radev and Nikolay Georgiev.

The incumbent central bank governor, Ivan Iskrov, has to resign
first if a new central governor is to be elected before October,
 when his term expires. The BNB governor is nominated by MPs and
 elected by Parliament with a regular majority.

Speaking before a Parliamentary Committee earlier this week,
Iskrov called on its members to speed up the election of his
successor, so that he could resign.

Dimiter Radev currently heads a mission for technical assistance
 at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for countries in
Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
Nikolay Georgiev heads the IMF's Ukraine mission.

Both candidates are a good option and discussions have been held
 with them, said Goranov, voicing hope that a decision will be
made by the end of April. The Finance Minister explained that
consultations are ongoing with a few potential candidates to
replace Iskrov. "When we have a coordinated position with the
partners supporting the Government, and why not with the
opposition, we will propose a candidate for discussion in
Parliament," the Finance Minister said.

It is important for the Government that BNB is a predictable
partner and for Parliament - that the central bank employs
professionals, who would not allow "such unfavourable
circumstances in the banking system," Goranov said, apparently
referring to the failed Corporate Commercial Bank.