The Karate Kid

Brian Clown is not the only prime minister under pressure in Europe. Here in Bulgaria, the prime minister, Boyko Borisov is mired in controversy.  He currently leads a minority government which came to power in 2009.  Known for his somewhat authoritarian, abrupt style he is a former policemen and held senior positions in the Interior Ministry. Just like his authoritarian friend Mr Putin, Boyko has a penchant for oriental sports and is somewhat of a karate expert. Only a few years ago he was linked to many Bulgarian mobsters by the US Government. But then again, who wasn't?

Following the release of tapes of telephone calls with the Head of Customs, it is alleged that he instructed  that a tax investigation into a leading businessman be halted.  There is a lot of huffing and puffing about the authenticity of the tapes but it is likely that they are genuine. Boyko is having problems "recollecting" the exact nature of the conversation (sounds familiar?). There are suggestions that the government might fall.

That would probably be a pity, as the prospect of the opposition socialists coming back to power is not inviting (think Fianna Failures and you get the idea).  The current government had done well on economic reform and the economy will grow this year. Fiscal orthodoxy rules and the budget will be balanced by year end.  The national debt is a miserly 16% of GDP. There are high hopes about joining the Euro (although why anyone would want to join the Euro is beyond me). Most Bulgarians are gloomy about the future but, as we know, Bulgarians wouldn't be happy unless they were unhappy!

Telephone tapping is "de rigeur" here at the moment. Apparently over 10,000 telephones were tapped last year. In Britain the number is about 400. Corruption still remains a problem and despite some improvements no leading "bad boys" have gone to jail.  Bulgaria won't be allowed into Schengen or the Euro until it cleans up its act. Ultimately this will be the acid test for Boyko.