site.btaTradeunionists Slam Government Energy Policy

At a news conference here on Thursday, leaders of the Podkrepa Confederation of Labour lashed out against the Government's plans which, they argued, doom Bulgaria's energy sector to futureless prospects.

"If we close down the coal-fired power plants without having a new plant, electricity will most probably have to be imported," Podkrepa's Honorary President Konstantin Trenchev told the news conference, referring to the Green Deal implementation commitment to discontinue this type of power production. Dr Trenchev described the Green Deal as "an idea that sounds great but will simply not happen."

Podkrepa Confederation Secretary Alexander Zagorov said that ever fewer people opt for the energy sector as their first job. In his words, safety at work is the foremost priority that must be observed.

Podkrepa Miners Federation President Vladimir Topalov said that a month ago Finance Minister Assen Vassilev had assured them that money is available, and the Director of the Maritsa East Mines had said that not a single job would be lost. Topalov is nevertheless concerned for the time being.

The Podkrepa Confederation of Labour insist that problems in the sector must be addressed so as to outline a better future for this industry. Podkrepa Vice President Ioanis Parteniotis argued that the energy policy is "completely inconsistent". He cited the plans to build a new nuclear power plant and a Unit 7 at the Kozloduy N-Plant that have been set in motion and cancelled time and again.