site.btaPresident Iotova Calls Security Agreement with Ukraine "Inadequate", Given Caretaker Government's "Limited Horizon"

The signing of the security agreement between Bulgaria and Ukraine is inadequate, as a caretaker cabinet has a very limited horizon, said President Iliana Iotova to journalists on Tuesday before a gala concert marking the 45th anniversary of the National Palace of Culture (NDK).

On Monday, caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a 10-year security agreement between Bulgaria and Ukraine.

"Neither the Prime Minister, nor the Minister of Defence or the Minister of Foreign Affairs informed me or the presidential institution about the upcoming visit to Ukraine, its purpose, or the composition of the delegation," Iotova noted. "In my view, this is more of a political act – poorly conceived and poorly executed. What I want to emphasize is that, in my opinion, this constitutes an unacceptable breach of dialogue between institutions and a lack of institutional discipline."

According to the President, the caretaker cabinet cannot implement the agreement either in substance or in any practical way. "My position has always been that when it comes to signing international documents, this should be done by a regular cabinet and by a newly elected National Assembly following a very broad discussion, including with the Bulgarian citizens," Iotova said.

She added that so far the caretaker Prime Minister has made no attempt to contact her, except for one unsuccessful phone call. "This morning I warned him that my reaction would be sharp, because I do not consider it proper to preempt such important matters," Iotova said, adding that she only received the text of the agreement today.

Asked whether it aligns with the intentions expressed in 2024 by the then caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev, Iotova said that the agreement "is almost the same". "My assessment is that this is a weak document. It has become outdated over these two years, it does not reflect the development of the war, and it contains nothing regarding the interests of the Bulgarian defence industry," the President noted. She described the agreement as "a text that binds Bulgaria in no way, and I do not know how much it helps Ukraine".

"I am surprised at how quickly and easily international agreements are signed, and for quite a long period. This is inversely proportional to the speed with which measures are taken in the country," Iotova added.

"When I appointed this government, I set two tasks – to conduct normal elections, well prepared, transparent and fair. The second is adequate measures to guide the people through this crisis. The war in the Middle East created an additional task for the government – the security of Bulgarian citizens. I urge that energy and effort be focused there," the President stated.