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Simpler and Clearer Fiscal Rules
Petar Ganev / 06.04.2011 / Issue 82
Last year discussions for introduction of the so-called fiscal board in Bulgaria led to a project of the “Financial Stability Pact" prepared by the Ministry of Finance and presented by Simeon Djankov. The pact provides for fiscal rules which cannot be bypassed by a simple majority in parliament – probably with their enrollment in the Constitution...
The Price of Hiding the Truth
Mihail Andreev / 11.05.2011 / Issue 83
There were already numerous discussions on the topic of the creation of Euro Plus Pact, the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and the covered in mystery Bulgarian position. Fully expected, the debate focused on direct, measurable effects for the country, when and how Bulgaria will pay for an eventual rescue of unconscientiously acting European governments.
“Independent Pension Reform Council” is set up by Economists
24.04.2010 / Issue 78
The Pension reform advisory council to the minister of labor and social policy came out with unconvincing proposals for minimal reforms which will not solve the long-term problems of the Bulgarian pension system. Even these inadequate changes in the pension system will not happen, as the Ministry declared temporary pension reform freeze which we fear will become a permanent one.
Local Business Environment Index 2011
11.05.2011 / Issue 83
The Local Business Environment Index 2011 is issued for a second year and aims to explore differences in business environment at local level and to indicate where in Bulgaria (in which city) is easiest to do business. The index covers all 28 districts of Bulgaria, each of them represented by one city – the district center. The assessment is based on the results of each city on the following ten indicators.
Economic Library of IME and BMA - Events & Photos
06.04.2011 / Issue 82
Institute for Market Economics and Bulgarian Macroeconomic Association with the support of America for Bulgaria Foundation created the first economic library in Bulgaria. The official opening of the library was in June 2010.
Minimum Wage Shall Increase? No…
Zornitsa Slavova / 06.04.2011 / Issue 82
Only half a year ago the labor unions and the Social Minister insisted on raising the minimum wage (MW) in 2011 to 270 BGN. This did not happen then, but now KNSB, teamed up with Totyo Mladenov, are pushing for the increasing of the MW by as much as 50 BGN (from 240 to 290 BGN) by mid-year on. Their motives are similar to the last year ones – more money for the workers, fair price of labor, budget revenues, and economic growth. But, is that the case?