Prime minister Rumen Radev said in Veliko Tarnovo that the contractor has promised to open the Topli Dol tunnel on the Sofia–Varna road for Christmas and have it in use by Easter.
The contractor made the promises during a check of the tunnels on the road to the city, Radev said. Regional development minister Ivan Shishkov was with him. The contractor's owner, technical managers and police representatives in charge of traffic management were also at the tunnels.
The repair was listed as urgent as far back as 2025, but its start has been put off four or five times. Radev said he asked whether the work could not have been done at another time: "People are furious about the huge traffic jams. I was told it could not wait, because safety standards require the tunnel to be repaired." The prime minister said there can be no more delays. The repair must be done, and crews are working hard, he said.
Construction of the Ruse–Makaza motorway to the Greek border could be awarded within a year, and by this date next year at the latest, Radev added. It will make Veliko Tarnovo the point where two motorways cross. The prime minister said that where motorways cross, there is activity, investment, logistics centres and industry.
Radev and Shishkov discussed the Northern road junction, the Prisovo bends and the landslide on Trapezitsa hill with mayor Daniel Panov.
Radev said pensions, wages, maternity pay, child benefits and tax breaks for families with children will go up, despite the difficulties in drawing up the budget. He also promised scholarships for school and university students. In his words, there will be money for all social spending and for infrastructure.