site.btaCaretaker Cabinet Left Good Legacy that Should Be Example for Future Cabinets – PM Gurov

Caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov told reporters on Sunday that his Cabinet is leaving behind a positive legacy, an example of how the government can operate transparently and responsibly toward the Bulgarian people. He was hopeful that this example can be used as a standard that will be followed by future administrations.

The Prime Minister said that his Cabinet prepared a clear package of measures that have been submitted to Parliament and will be handed over to the new government. He said that these measures should be adopted not only to support the Recovery and Resilience Plan but also to ensure the State functions in the way citizens expect. Gurov added that he hopes a decision will be reached in the coming weeks on the proposed amendments to the Judicial System Act and the new anti-corruption commission.

Earlier Sunday, Gurov told the Bulgarian National Radio: "We have already begun preparing for the handover of power this week so that the new politicians can step in and take over without any delay, so that Bulgarian citizens do not lose out." He added: "Everything will be handed over in a way that clearly distinguishes between what has been accomplished and the critical issues. We will identify where the critical points are and what needs to be done to resolve them as quickly as possible."

Gurov praised caretaker Deputy Prime Minister for European Funding Maria Nedina for her efforts that led to a high probability of recovering a significant portion of funds that would otherwise have been "squandered as a result of delayed legislative changes and of the closure of the anti-corruption commission in an attempt to cover tracks". He reported that further details will be provided in the coming days.

Commenting on the investigation launched by the prosecution service against him, other ministers, and acting Interior Ministry Secretary General Georgi Kandev, Gurov said that he had not yet been summoned for questioning. "Everyone can see how biased the prosecution service is. The most logical connection is that those who are trying to manipulate the elections and the prosecution service in its current form are acting jointly," he added. He stated that he is unafraid and will not be arrested.

Gurov reported that according to various domestic and international assessments, the latest parliamentary elections in Bulgaria were among the best-organized and fairest elections.

When asked if he would run for president, Gurov reported that various groups had contacted him. "This is a serious matter that requires a serious approach. The caretaker cabinet was focused on the elections. There will be time for a little rest and reflection, and all questions will be answered, but decisions are made calmly," he said.