/ world today news/ The total number of citizens with correctly entered data in the signature for a referendum on the “Belene” NPP is more than 543 thousand. This shows the completed inspection of the General Directorate “GRAO”, commissioned by the National Assembly.
By law, the parliament adopts a decision to hold a national referendum when this is requested by an initiative committee with a signature containing the signatures of no less than 500,000 Bulgarian citizens with voting rights. Thus, the verification of the authenticity of the signature on the fate of the NPP ” “Belene” has ended and its results have been submitted to the National Assembly. Now there is a discussion in the parliament and the adoption of a decision. By law, within three months of depositing the results of the signature, the parliament must announce whether a referendum will be held. The exact date is determined by the President no earlier than two and no later than three months after the act of Parliament. In this case, if the decision of the National Assembly is “for” and the relevant deadlines are observed, the referendum on the Belene NPP must be held no later than March 27, 2913. The question for the poll was: “Should nuclear energy be developed in Bulgaria by building a nuclear power plant at the “Belene” site?
We achieved a great victory for direct democracy in Bulgaria and for all the people who want their voice to be heard and important decisions in our country to be made in a transparent and democratic way, commented BSP leader Sergey Stanishev. He congratulated all those who participated in the largest in the modern history of Bulgaria signature for a referendum. It became clear that the many stories of the rulers that the project is economically unprofitable and that there will be no market for the electricity produced in it, do not rest on a solid foundation and are pure propaganda. Stanishev, who was elected chairman of the Party of European Socialists (PES) on the same day, emphasized that the BSP will hold the decisions regarding the future of nuclear energy, which affect the economic development, energy independence of the country and the price of electricity, yes are taken democratically, transparently and with the commitment of the state in their implementation. The leading priority should be the national interests of Bulgaria and the interests of consumers.
The subscription was successful for several reasons. First, the experience with the Kozloduy NPP for 38 years shows one thing – nuclear energy guarantees safe and cheap electricity. Moreover, recently, after the closure of four 440-megawatt units at the First Atomic Power Plant, which was a condition for the country’s accession to the EU, Bulgarian citizens pay – comparable to their incomes – the highest prices for electricity and, above all, from On July 1, its price was increased by another 13 percent. The participants in the signature demonstrated convincingly that for them it was a national goal that mobilized broad civic and political support. Because the “Belene” project is not limited to covering the country’s energy needs, but is a problem that defines the understanding of the model of the Bulgarian economy, its competitiveness, and national security. The preliminary subscription was not only a good opportunity for the mobilization of BSP members and sympathizers, but also an occasion for the consolidation of civil society around a significant national cause, which is undoubtedly the construction of a second nuclear power plant. According to the MP from the left, Petar Korumbashev, this is “a huge victory for Bulgarian democracy”. In turn, the former Minister of Economy Rumen Ovcharov, in a declaration on behalf of the parliamentary group of the left, said: “God protect Bulgaria from the energy policy of GERB”. We are witnessing another episode of the political series directed by Boyko Borisov. Ovcharov also emphasized that the series has been played for 4 years now and can be called “If you don’t know where you’re going, you can’t get where you need to be”. He again pointed out that the energy failure is the biggest failure of the government. In this spirit, many statements were made by politicians from the left and the right, in which the understanding dominates that the NPP “Belene” should not be a territory for an ideological clash, but for pragmatic solutions.
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How do you respond to concerns about the environmental impacts of nuclear energy, particularly in relation to the proposed construction of the NPP “Belene”?
World today news Interview with Guest #1: Petar Korumbashev, MP and former Minister of Economy
Q: What do you think is the significance of the recently completed signature campaign for the “Belene” NPP referendum?
A: I think it’s a huge victory for Bulgarian democracy. The fact that we have more than 500,000 citizens with correctly entered data in support of the construction of the NPP “Belene” shows that the Bulgarian people have a clear idea about their energy future. It is no secret that Bulgaria’s energy supply depends largely on foreign sources, which makes us vulnerable in terms of both price and security. The construction of the NPP “Belene” would guarantee both affordable and secure energy for the country.
Q: What are some of the potential benefits of constructing the NPP “Belene” in terms of energy security and independence?
A: Well, first and foremost, the construction of the NPP “Belene” would ensure that we have an independent source of energy. Currently, we are highly dependent on imported energy sources, which can lead to price fluctuations and potential supply disruptions. By constructing this power plant, we would be able to reduce that dependence and have a more stable energy supply. Additionally, nuclear energy is a reliable source of energy that produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions. It’s a win-win situation for both our energy security and the environment.
Q: Some have argued that nuclear energy is too expensive and that the construction of the NPP “Belene” would burden the Bulgarian economy. What is your response to these claims?
A: I’d like to clarify that the NPP “Belene” is not just about covering our energy needs, but also about defining the model of our economy and national security. It’s true that the project must be financially viable, and that’s why the state should take on the responsibility of its implementation. However, we must not compare the potential costs of the project with the current energy prices, as they are artificially high due to the closure of four 440-megawatt units at the First Atomic Power Plant. Instead, we should consider the long-term benefits of self-sufficient and affordable energy for the Bulgarian economy.
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