site.btaNumber of Petitions to National Ombudsman Almost Doubles - Report

Number of Petitions to National Ombudsman Almost Doubles - Report

Sofia, December 21 (BTA) - The number of petitions submitted to the National Ombudsman has almost doubled, Ombudsman Maya Manolova said Monday presenting a report on the work of the institution in the passing year. In the two months since Manolova took office, a total of 1,622 petitions were filed, against 1,006 in the like period a year ago. Manolova did not say whether this was a result of the increased trust in the institution or a sign that there more breaches of the rights of the citizens.

Manolova said that there will be permanent reception offices of the National Ombudsman in the main cities next year. The move will make it possible for people to meet directly with representative of the Ombudsman and save travel expenses.

Manolova said that 74 recommendations were made in the past two months of the work of the institution. She singled out the Health Ministry as an example for prompt reaction in respect of two cases. A response is expected from Regional Development and Public Works Minister Lilyana Pavlova about how proceeds from vignette stickers are expended. Manolova said she will not accept as a viable answer that the proceeds are being spent for clearing of snow from roads.

A constitutional council has been set up, consisting of prominent legal experts. There have been thirteen applications to approach the Constitutional Court. Four were rejected. The first petition to the Constitutional Court since Manolova took office as a National Ombudsman is to be submitted on Monday. The petition is in defence of owners of small stills for domestic distilling of brandy who will have to pay higher excise duties. Manolova argued that still owners are treated unfairly and the argument that this will crack down on the shadow economy does not hold. She also said that this violates the principle of free economic initiative.

Manolova said that as soon as she took office, she made herself strong enemies in the face of the "monopoly companies". She said they are providers of public services and should not collect debts using debt-collection agencies.

Manolova also said that the results from a probe into residential-care homes for children will be publicized at the start of the new year. She argued that such institutions should be closed because of cases of violations of rights.