12 councilors want a referendum on the withdrawal of a BGN 14.5 million loan from the Municipality of Blagoevgrad

A signature on behalf of twelve councilors was submitted today by Dimitar Urdev to the Municipal Council – Blagoevgrad. The request of these local parliamentarians is to call a referendum on taking a loan in the amount of 14.5 million BGN.

“A year ago, and even today, I believe that the citizens of Blagoevgrad should have the opportunity to express their opinion on an issue so important to all of us. I hope for a wise and responsible decision from my fellow municipal councilors,” Dimitar Urdev wrote on Facebook. Here are the names of the other 11 of his colleagues who signed the petition: Albina Aneva-Tomova, Georgi Bezhanski, Ivaylo Chervilov, Vasil Miladinov, Veselin Hristov, Hristo Mikhalkov, Ana Stoycheva, Maria Gosheva, Georgi Evtimov, Kaloyan Kaloyanov and Dimitrina Petrova .

Just two days ago, a public discussion was held in the “September 22” hall on the assumption of long-term municipal debt. Mayor Metodi Baikushev stressed that he imposes strict financial discipline. With an increase in income and a decrease in expenses, his team is responsible for stabilizing the financial situation of the Municipality of Blagoevgrad. And he was adamant that an end is put to spending money that the Municipality does not have. He pointed out that only for the first quarter of 2024, the expenses were BGN 1.5 million less compared to the first quarter of 2023. The current liabilities that he and his team found were in the amount of BGN 5.2 million. BGN, currently they are BGN 2.3 million.

“It is necessary to take on a long-term debt of up to 14.5 million in order to implement three important projects, for which the assigned funds are missing, and to provide co-financing for two new kindergartens, expansion of the building of the Seventh Secondary School, energy efficiency of 5 town halls and the “September 22″ hall. The new debt will not increase the burden on the residents of the municipality,” said Mayor Metodi Baikushev.

The final decision will be made by the Municipal Council.