Antoniy Galabov, Political Scientist: Simeon Djankov’s resignation will not ward off social tensions

- Mr. Galabov, what does the resignation of Vice Prime Minister and Finance Minister Simeon Djankov signal right now, not long before the end of this Government’s term in office?
- Concentrating the post of Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister in the hands of a single person was a combination apt to cause problems as early as when the Government was being formed. The usual logic is that the Finance Minister is a counterpoint to the Prime Minister, but he should not be Vice Prime Minister as well. In this respect, the criticism of Simeon Djankov largely originated from his position of Deputy Prime Minister, not as Finance Minister. Therefore, the decision to split the two posts seems reasonable to me. I do not believe that the resignation of Minister Djankov will quiet down public tension or have a direct impact on its dynamics. Djankov was a key figure in PM Boyko Borissov’s Cabinet. We are witnessing a very specific situation in which, it seems to me, the replacement of Minister Djankov seeks an effect of suppressing public discontent. In my opinion, however, this decision will not reduce social unrest and protests.

- Isn’t this decision unexpected, considering the fact that PM Borissov himself has often stated that Bulgaria observes strict financial discipline and, in this respect, our country is among the excellent performers in Europe?
- This is absolutely true. In terms of financial and macroeconomic indicators, Minister Djankov was doing his job well. He managed to maintain financial stability despite the significant pressure from various directions to increase public spending. My own criticism of Djankov was with regard to his job as Vice Prime Minister, mainly for directing public expenditure to areas where they were not urgently needed.

- Are any other Cabinet reshuffles probable, despite the fact that the end of the incumbent Government’s mandate is quite close?
- Now that Minister Djankov has been dismissed, that means any other minister can be replaced. In my opinion, PM Borissov’s logic is that the resignation of Djankov will ease down public pressure but this signal could also be interpreted in a different way, namely, to intensify criticism and appeals for the dismissal of other ministers and become a kind of accelerator of this type of political demands. There is still time until we enter the real election campaign but we have actually been in such a situation for at least a few months. Therefore, such expectations are reasonable.

- As always in such situations, possible early elections are being talked about...
- There will be no early elections. There have been talks about that option for a whole year but it should be borne in mind that nobody wants early elections, neither the Bulgarian Socialist Party, nor the Movement for Rights and Freedoms. Nobody wants early elections because that means assuming political responsibility in a period when the opposition political forces are unwilling to do so. Therefore, there will be no early elections. The big problem is that this severe and permanent crisis in government will have negative effects in all spheres.

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