site.btaParliament Sets Up Ad Hoc Committee of Inquiry on Russian Gas Suspension and Selection of Alternative Suppliers

Parliament Wednesday voted unanimously to set up an ad hoc committee of inquiry on the suspension of Russian gas supplies and the subsequent selection of alternative suppliers.  The motion for the committee was tabled by the opposition GERB-UDF.

GERB-UDF MP Daniel Mitov was elected to chair the committee. It consists of 14 MPs - two from each parliamentary group, and will have a life of one month.

The committee is expected to review and analyze the documents which were signed by Bulgargaz, the Bulgarian Energy Holding, the Energy Ministry and the Council of Ministers, and by which the Russian gas supplies were suspended and alternative suppliers selected.

During the debate, GERB-UDF and the power-sharing parties traded accusations of foul play in the wake of the Russian gas cutoff.

GERB consistently criticize the government for purchasing expensive gas from MET where the CEO of Bulgarian public gas supplier Bulgargaz used to work, and which is allegedly connected with Gazprom-Export. 

In response, the power-holders blasted GERB for failing to do anything for Bulgaria's energy diversification during the 12 years they were on power.