Government

Ex Bulgarian PM Borisov Backs Progressive Taxation

Former Bulgarian Prime Minister and leader of center-right party GERB has spoken in favor of progressive taxation.

"When there is very deep social division in the country, progressive taxation must be introduced. Flat tax only works in a well-functioning economy," Borisov said Sunday in an interview for Darik radio.

Parliament speaker term of office may be reduced to one year

BELGRADE - The Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) is considering a possibility to introduce a one-year term of office for the Serbian parliament speaker in the next four years, which would make it possible for minor parties to preside over the highest legislative body, SNS Deputy President Nebojsa Stefanovic stated on Saturday.

Samaras sees no need for third bailout


After a week that saw Athens successfully tap international bond markets for the first time in four years, Prime Minister Antonis Samaras essentially ruled out the need for a third loan program for Greece, insisting that the markets’ positive response to last week bond’s issue is the first step toward the country emerging from its economic crisis.

On visit to Athens, Merkel pledges action on Greek debt sustainability


Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras (l) welcomes German Chancellor Angela Merkel (r) for a meeting at the Maximos Mansion in Athens, on Friday.

On her second visit to Athens in less than two years on Friday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel pledged that the eurozone would discuss Greece’s debt sustainability later this year.

Greece has more opportunities than difficulties, Merkel says in Athens


Greece has more opportunities than difficulties said German Chancellor Angela Merkel in her opening remarks at a meeting of Greek start-up companies during a one-day visit to Athens on Friday.

Highlighting sectors such as agriculture, tourism and services, Merkel spoke of the challenge of attracting funding and taking advantage of new technologies.

Rosen Plevneliev Criticizes the Tight Defense Budget

Bulgaria's President Rosen Plevneliev criticized the tightening of the country's defense budget and urged for its immediate increase. 

“The country must increase its defense budget to at least 1.5% of GDP and to bring it back to the 2%, which we had before the start of the economic downturn,” Plevneliev said after his meeting with NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. 

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