site.btaParliament Backs Government-proposed Energy Renovation Programme

Parliament Backs Government-proposed Energy Renovation Programme


Sofia, February 20 (BTA) - The National Assembly supported the
National Programme for Energy Renovation of Multi-family
Residential Buildings, proposed by the Council of Ministers. The
 document was approved by 82-12 votes. Ten MPs abstained.

A draft decision, moved by BSP-Left Bulgaria, to change some of
the criteria for the renovation was turned down. During the
discussion Socialist MP Maya Manolova said that the eligible
criteria envisaging inclusion of residential buildings with more
 than 36 apartments in the programme automatically eliminates
small municipalities. The Socialists insisted to remove this
criteria as well as the "first come - first served" principle
and replace it with the principle of social justice and social
need. A proposal of the Left to exercise civic control over the
process of applying for renovation and selection of
contractor-companies was also rejected.

MP Ramadan Atalai of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms also
voiced disagreement with the requirement for the residential
buildings to have over 36 apartments. 

Regional Development Minister Lilyana Pavlova thanked the
majority for the support. "This programme is transparent and
voluntary. It is from the citizens to the citizens," said she.
Pavlova pointed out that civil control over the selection of
contractors is envisaged in the programme.

Regarding the criteria about 36 apartments and over, she
explained that it has been developed to give a chance to big
buildings, where it is more difficult to form associations of
owners. A similar programme is to be launched in 2016 with EU
funding which will include apartment buildings with less than 36
 flats. Therefore, there are not discriminated buildings,
Pavlova noted.