Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev said the government has no intention of intervening directly in the market by imposing prices, but stressed that the state has a responsibility to ensure effective regulations and oversight mechanisms amid rising consumer costs and declining purchasing power.
Speaking during a discussion with trade unions, employers, business representatives, and industry organizations focused on high prices in Bulgaria, Radev said food costs are influenced by a combination of international and domestic factors. According to him, issues such as energy prices, fertilizers, electricity, and insurance are beyond the government’s direct control and were not the central focus of the meeting. Instead, attention was directed toward national factors including the development of local production, supply chain structures, and relations between producers, traders, and consumers.
“The state will not interfere in the market by setting prices and conditions. We are operating in a free market economy,” Radev stated, while emphasizing that public institutions are still obligated to provide “clear regulations and control mechanisms” aimed at protecting both Bulgarian consumers and domestic producers. He added that transparent relations throughout the chain linking producers, traders, and consumers are essential for a functioning market system.
