Bulgarian FinMin: We'll Get Richer Than Romania in No Time!

The average incomes of Bulgarians will surpass those of Romanians in two years, Bulgaria's Finance Minister Simeon Djankov vowed on Tuesday.

Djankov announced his ambitious plan speaking before the private bTV channel. He pointed out the Bulgarian GDP per capita expressed in Purchasing Power Standards is 43% of the EU average, while Romania's is just 2% higher, according to Eurostat.

In 2009, Bulgaria's GDP per capita expressed in PPS was a mere 37% of the EU average.

According to the International Monetary Fund, the Romania's GDP per capita in 2010 was EUR 5205, while Bulgaria's was EUR 4372.

Confronted by the anchor, who stated the average early salary in Romania is more than EUR 1000 higher than in Bulgaria, he called this piece of statistical information "strange" and reiterated the Eurostat data.

Djankov's interview was focused on the 2-year anniversary since the centrist-right GERB was elected to create its minority government. According to the Finance Minister, the government's biggest achievements are the construction of highways, the construction of new sport facilities, as well as museums and other cultural facilities. He claimed that investments in sport facilities will "keep people healthy".

However, Djankov also stated that a larger share of the budget should go for education and culture, while spending on the Interior and Defense Ministries should be cut.