site.btaDeputy PM Ninova: The Sanction Race Must Stop

The race for sanctions and counter-sanctions against Russia must stop, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Korneliya Ninova said on bTV.

She said that some 1.7 billion people in 107 countries around the world are affected by the sanctions, according to a UN report. The economic sanctions are aimed at hampering Russia's economy, but what's the point of killing a foreign economy by killing your own, Ninova asked. According to her, Bulgaria should veto the European embargo on Russian oil, because the embargo would hinder Bulgarian economy, create difficulties in the work of many companies, and increase unemployment and fuel prices. The decision to veto is good for Bulgaria, Ninova said.

She pointed out that all compensatory measures taken by the government in connection with the rise in prices of goods have already been eaten away by inflation. It is therefore prudent to take into account our national interest and to insist on such a veto on the embargo, Ninova said, adding that there is no consensus in Europe on the issue, and many countries are wondering whether to introduce this measure against Russia at all.

Ninova said that if the gas crisis escalates, about 250,000 jobs in 26,000 Bulgarian companies will be at risk.

Replying to a question whether Russia is a friend or foe in its attitude towards Bulgaria, Deputy Prime Minister Ninova said that most of Bulgarian society finds Russia friendly, similar to the high percentage of Bulgarians who do not want to send weapons to Ukraine. For me, Russia is a friendly country, she said.

Asked why, then, Russia stopped gas deliveries to Bulgaria, the Deputy Prime Minister said it was probably the result of European sanctions against Russia. The world, Europe and Bulgaria need common sense, cold-blooded decision-making and action serving the interest of their people, Ninova said.