Economy and Energy Minister Roumen Ovcharov will most probably decide to prolong his compulsory leave until Prosecution finishes investigation of the corruption controversy which involves Ovcharov’s name.

Most probably Ovcharov will ask for another 10 days of vacation. His decision will be given on May 28 2007, mediapool.bg said.

The controversy erupted in the beginning of May 2007 when the head of the National Investigative Service Angel Alexandrov accused Ovcharov of threatening him, mediapool.bg said.

Regional and Public Works Minister Assen Gagauzov, two deputy ministers, an investigator and businessmen, as well as Sofia heating company and cigarette producer Bulgarbac tobacco Holding were also mentioned as part of the controversy. Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev forced Ovcharov to take a 10-day unpaid vacation.

Currently Stanishev supervises the work of the Economy and Energy Ministry.

Stanishev said that he would decide on Ovcharov’s fate after May 2008. He also said that the dismissal of two deputy ministers and Ovcharov’s leave were clear signs that the truth was prized.

Prosecutor-General Boris Velchev said that the controversy investigation will be finished on May 23 2007 and the results will be announced at the end of May.