Bulgaria - Domestic policy



The SNM will pursue an economic strategy that encourages foreign investment and development of small, medium-sized, and large businesses. Saxe-Coburg hopes to preserve the fixed exchange rate for Bulgaria's currency with the goal of joining the European Monetary Union as soon as possible. Citing advantages to Bulgaria's geographic location, he hopes to capitalize on the country's role as a "bridge" between east and west, between Southern Europe and the Middle East.

To appear attractive internationally, Bulgaria must not only reduce unemployment and improve the personal standard of living, but also meet new standards of government operation. This includes taking decisive measures against corruption, enhancing the effectiveness of legislation for financial control, and buttressing the legal system. All these actions favor the development of enterprises, foreign and domestic. Overall, Bulgaria must present itself as united, strong, and self-confident to foreign investors.

Saxe-Coburg proposes a comprehensive national strategy for the development of agriculture that includes land consolidation, land sharing, and a land market. Organic farming and food quality control feature largely in this system. He also favors health reform measures that would create a large-scale hospital network, provide equal access to health care for all Bulgarians, and establish national health care standards and special programs for mothers, children, and the elderly.

On Wednesday, 12 February 2003, the UDF called for a vote of no-confidence after the Saxe-Coburg government introduced a value-added tax (VAT) on medications manufactured in Bulgaria. The Saxe-Coburg government prevailed easily, winning 134 votes to just 50 in support of no-confidence. Economic reforms, even those that are unpopular or painful for the citizenry, are prerequisite to Bulgaria's joining the EU.

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