On May 8, the newly appointed Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Roumen Radev, outlined his government’s strategic priorities, emphasizing economic measures to tackle rising prices without imposing price ceilings. Instead, Radev advocates for leveraging market economy tools to ease price pressures and streamline retail chains. He announced legislative efforts to clarify pricing processes and combat unfair competition, proposing stricter sanctions and enhanced control mechanisms to ensure fair market practices. Radev underscored the need to support Bulgarian producers, particularly in dairy and livestock sectors, to prevent them from being forced to sell at near-cost prices, which he views as harmful to the agricultural industry.
In his inaugural Cabinet meeting, Radev detailed the government’s key objectives, including judicial reform and anti-corruption measures, as well as priorities in healthcare, education, and infrastructure. He emphasized the importance of a comprehensive assessment of the country’s state to inform budget planning, instructing ministers to conduct detailed departmental analyses focusing on financial health, problematic contracts, and administrative efficiency. Radev called attention to the necessity of addressing hidden deficits and unpaid invoices to enable effective budget structuring.
Judicial reform is a significant focus, with Radev advocating for an independent Prosecutor’s Office and a revised Supreme Judicial Council. He stressed the need for a government-led initiative to dismantle entrenched oligarchic structures and address corruption, aiming to elect a new, legitimate Prosecutor General in collaboration with the National Assembly. Radev announced plans to propose comprehensive judicial reforms, aiming for a more efficient and equitable justice system in Bulgaria.
The new administration also aims to enhance Bulgaria’s business environment by attracting investments, increasing digitalization, and reducing regulatory burdens. Radev highlighted several sectoral priorities, including modernizing the military, bolstering national security against drug trafficking, and reinforcing Bulgaria’s foreign policy in alignment with its international commitments. He also emphasized improving educational outcomes to ensure the future professional growth of young Bulgarians.
In healthcare, Radev committed to expediting the construction of the National Children’s Hospital and eliminating systemic abuses, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector. Social welfare is another priority, with a focus on ensuring support for vulnerable groups. The government plans to invest in transport and infrastructure development, promote public-private partnerships, and optimize energy resources for greater security and affordability. Radev also expressed a commitment to expanding domestic food production, safeguarding Bulgarian cultural heritage, and prioritizing sports activities for children.