site.btaUPDATED PM Denkov: Demand for Resignation of Agriculture Minister Vatev Is Political, Groundless

The demand for the resignation of Minister Kiril Vatev is political, the arguments shown are groundless, said Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov on Monday evening in a statement at the Council of Ministers following another demand by some agricultural producer representatives for the resignation of Agriculture Minister Kiril Vatev.

Denkov added that the government cannot support grain growers, for whom 2023 could end in profit, with either state or EU funds. The Prime Minister expressed perplexity as to why grain growers do not want to prove possible losses through their tax returns, which they are obliged to file anyway.

The Prime Minister argued that this contradicts the economic logic, the rules and the rights and interests of the rest of the people in the country.

He noted that according to data from the National Revenue Agency, grain production is among the most profitable sectors in the last few years, with profits of over BGN 2 billion declared for 2021, and BGN 3 billion for 2022.

"In a discussion with agricultural producers, we identified a number of changes that can be made in the laws and  we are in full agreement that we should continue to work together," Denkov added.

He argued that there are no grounds for protests and that it is no coincidence that they are happening shortly before the upcoming rotation. The Prime Minister expressed his expectation that in the coming days the dialogue with the grain producers will be continued, the text will be clarified and a new memorandum for joint actions will be signed, the points of which have already been clarified at the meeting on Sunday.

Every day in protests delays the opportunity to support precisely those producers who are really in need at the moment, Denkov stressed, noting that the govenment and the producers do not have differences in any of the points that were presented earlier in the day publicly, except for the request to provide support to farmers without them having to prove they were at a loss for 2023.

"The protesters today did not present any specific and clear demands. They came and asked for my resignation, but I answered them that if the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister ask for it, I will submit it with a feeling of relief. If not, I will continue as before," said Agriculture and Food Minister Kiril Vatev.