Outgoing PM Denkov to IMF Managing Director: We can accelerate Bulgaria's economy

We can accelerate Bulgaria's economy - this is the message the outgoing Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov gave to Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund. He pointed out that GDP growth for 2023 is almost 2% and inflation continues to fall and is currently around 3%.

During the meeting on March 11, the outgoing Prime Minister briefed the IMF Managing Director on the main achievements of the government so far and the priorities and reforms in economic and financial policies.

"Joining the euro area in 2025 is a priority for Bulgaria. We have already fully met three of the four criteria," Denkov said. He added that there is political agreement and support for the introduction of the euro in the country.

The Prime Minister also presented some of the measures the government is taking to improve people's standard of living, including the increase in incomes and the funds the state gives to support families with children, as well as the upcoming 11% increase in pensions.

Changes to the constitution and anti-corruption laws were also a topic of discussion. The fight against corruption remains one of our top priorities, Nikolai Denkov said.