Bulgarian PM Lauds Expansion of Ski Areas
Bulgarian PM Boyko Borisov vowed to continue to support skiing and winter toursm in Bulgaria Sunday, when he was present at the Alpine Skiing World Cuprace in Bansko.
"You can see by the way that people greet us here that they are happy with the way we have fulfilled our commitments to winter sports," bragged Borisov.
Sunday he visited the World Cup race with Bulgarian President Rosen Plevnelievand Minister of Sports Svilen Neykov.
"Bulgaria has given over BGN 5 M for skiing this year - including International SkiFederation races, and children ski schools," said Borisov.
In addition, the Bulgarian PM stressed that Bulgaria needs to expand its winter resorts.
"We have to support the livelihood of people here, to boost tourism to Bulgaria, to ensure quality service for all who come to Bansko and elsewhere, so I hope we can convince environmentalists that an expansion is feasible," said he.
The Bulgarian Parliament has to vote on second reading controversial amendments to the Forestry Act, which will make it much more easier for companies to develop and construct in protected areas.
The bill was rushed through cabinet and parliament after the Vitosha Ski company, which operates facilities in Vitosha near capital Sofia, refused to open the new skiseason, on grounds that the state allegedly blocked its investment plans.
Environmentalists have slammed the legislative amendments as pandering toVitosha Ski and the interests of Tseko Minev, who also has a stake in Banskocompany Yulen.
In the past week, a check by Bulgaria's Agency for State Financial Inspection uncovered a number of irregularities in Minev's deals with the state, including awarding contracts without due public procurement procedures.
Text and photo: novinite.com