19.11.2011

Our major challenge for 2012 will be to reduce the deficit in order to remain stable, said Deputy Minister of Finance Vladislav Goranov in \"Sedmitsata\" on Darik Radio. He said that this was the most proper solution and a key asset of the 2012 draft budget in view of the insecurity in Europe and the concerns about a new recession. Although it is a relatively difficult solution, it is the right one so as not to become further indebted, pointed out Deputy Minister Goranov. We continue being the fifth rated economy in the EU even according to the forecasts of the European Commission (2.3%), and the almost 3% economic growth for next year are not unjustified, he commented.   

In his opinion, the rates at which big infrastructure projects are being implemented give grounds to make realistic forecasts for the absorption of EU funds next year. We must ensure the 20% co-financing needed for those projects, added the Deputy Minister.

Vladislav Goranov underlined again that it was necessary to speed up the pension reform by increasing the retirement age. 65 years is the optimal age of retirement in most EU Member States with a solidarity pension model. In connection with the public discussion for increasing the income from pensions, he said that applying the Swiss rule to increase them would not be proper for there was no sustainably high economic growth.