At their last regular meeting, the deputies finally decided to raise the salaries of the military by 30% from next year. However, a serious dispute caused the ratification of changes to the contract for the purchase of F-16 fighter jets.
From January 1 next year, the 30% increase in the salaries of the military will actually look like this – the minimum of about 1,500 should become almost 2,000 BGN. Our military pay will be tied to the national average pay, however if there are months where the average pay goes down, this will not be transferred to the soldiers income.
If on many laws, the opinions of the parties in the parliament were as many as the parties themselves – then in the case of money for the army, everyone unanimously supported the increase.
On first reading: Salaries in the Bulgarian Army jump by an average of 30%
The Minister of Defense reported that this was actually an appreciation for the good work of the servicemen. “We have decided that there will be no parade on May 6, but I will order three planes to fly over Sofia during the solemn march to congratulate you on that decision,” said Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov.
Deputies were not so united when discussing the ratification of changes to the contract for the purchase of American F-16 fighter jets. According to the Chairman of the Defense Committee, deadlines are changing, but not the general financial framework. “Bulgaria paid something in advance and now we see that various parameters and indicators are beginning to be changed”, pointed out Ivelin Parvanov from “Vazrazhdane”.
Angel Naydenov: If we don’t prepare the infrastructure for the F-16 fighters, we have to pay rent
“Minister Zapryanov said that three planes would fly over, why didn’t you ask him what they were?” Are these kites, are they swallows? His F-16s will not fly,” said Rumen Gechev from BSP.
“MIG-29s will fly on the water,” replied the minister and added: “We did not pay in advance, and now the money is in our account and under our control we have transferred it to the USA.” We only pay what we get”.
According to GERB, this is perhaps one of the best contracts for the Bulgarian army. “The F-16, and this particular aircraft, is one of the best things we’re going to have. I’m sitting in the back and listening to you – it’s like we’re in socialism. You forget that this is our strategic partner. This is clear, and all other NATO member countries conclude agreements with the USA in the same way”, stated Valentin Radev from GERB emphatically.
The first F16 aircraft should be here in March next year.
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