The BSP National Council made a negative assessment of the performance of the Boyko Borissov government. The socialists stated they wanted a new taxation policy, health care available to all and more attention to domestic production. The party forum is also discussing the BSP’s election platform and a draft ofnew statutes.

BSP leader Kornelia Ninova made the following evaluation of the government’s work:

“No economic programme guaranteeing a high and lasting growth rate, a deepening demographic disaster, poverty, increasing inequality – these are the biggest challenges the Boyko Borissov cabinet has brought us face to face with. After two years of GERB rule Bulgaria once again faces the risk of having European funding suspended. No strategy in the energy sector. The two year period in which the Borissov cabinet was in power has pulled Bulgaria back. Despite the reports, despite the boasting by the current cabinet of Boyko Borissov – of economic growth, of advancement and stability, the Bulgarian nation has a sense of instability, insecurity, injustice. We stand with this nation, with the people who want an alternative.”

The Bulgarian Socialist Party proposed interest relief for young families when they buy their first home worth up to 100,000 Leva. The socialists also advocate a recalculation of all pensions which should, according to their estimates, result in an almost 20 percent rise in the oldest pensions. The highlights in the socialists’ election platform include also a 20 percent tax on individual incomes exceeding 10,000 Leva per month, a 2-year profit tax exemption period for entrepreneurs aged under 35 under certain conditions, as well as a 50 Leva tax deduction for working parents.

Discussions are underway on amendments to the party statutes, by force of which MPs with three terms as MPs will not be eligible for re-election.

The documents will be put to the final vote at the 49^th congress of the BSP on 4 and 5 February.