PM Denkov will not withdraw the territorial plans from the EC, he is not worried about the vote of no confidence either

Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov reiterated on October 9 that the withdrawal of the territorial just transition plans from the EC would have extremely harmful consequences for the coal mining regions and the people there. The Prime Minister added he has no concerns about the no-confidence vote.

Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov said that the territorial plans cannot be withdrawn from the EC, as the energy industry insists.

Day 11 of protest by miners and energy workers, Trakia motorway and Pass of the Republic remain blocked

"Withdrawing them means Bulgaria voluntarily gives up the procedure in which it receives support for the implementation of the respective transition, so I will not withdraw the plans. This is what needs to be understood, that there is no way to continue as it has been, but we need the coal-fired thermal power plants for many more years in the volume we need to have a stable energy system," the prime minister said.

As regards the no-confidence motion tabled against the cabinet, the prime minister said he was calm.

"I personally do not expect any problems anymore because it would be extremely stupid from a political point of view for someone not to support the government at this moment. There is no reason whatsoever for it to be lambasted on the occasion that is being said."

Discussions on the no-confidence vote will be on Thursday and the vote will be held 24 hours later.