site.btaBefore Talking about Nationalization, We Must Assess Lukoil Refinery’s Capacity, Job Retention, Says MP Bogdan Bogdanov

Commenting on MECh’s proposal for the nationalization of the Lukoil Neftohim Burgas refinery, Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria MP Bogdan Bogdanov said that before even discussing its nationalization, it is first necessary to assess the refinery's capacity, whether its operations can be ensured in the long term, whether the people working there can keep their jobs, and whether Bulgaria can safeguard its energy and national security.

Earlier on Wednesday, the weekly parliamentary agenda included an item for a hearing of Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov, and Economy and Industry Minister Petar Dilov regarding Bulgaria’s readiness to protect national interests in light of the ownership change process of the oil refinery. The proposal came from CC-DB, and speaking to the media, Bogdanov stated that the coalition is considering proposing the formation of an ad-hoc committee on the matter.

According to Bogdanov, it is also important to discuss the fact that, in his words, "there has been an energy sector monopoly for 25 years".

Addressing the topic, CC-DB Co-Floor Leader Nikolay Denkov said: "We want a hearing, discussions in the committees, and ultimately, when a decision is made, it should be based on facts. During the chairpersons' council, I saw an excessive level of activity from [MRF - New Beginning Floor Leader] Delyan Peevski on the Lukoil issue. What he literally requested was to proceed immediately with the state's purchase of Lukoil without committee hearings, without a plenary session discussion, and without expert opinions being considered," Denkov stressed.

"Imagine us pulling out BGN 3 billion, despite all the talk about a budget deficit, from your pockets and ours, then purchasing [the] Lukoil [refinery] just for it to fall into the hands of Peevski—or perhaps even an energy minister with a family business under the Lukoil brand," Denkov further said.

Earlier on Wednesday, speaking to journalists, Peevski voiced his opinion that the state should buy the Lukoil Neftohim Burgas refinery.