site.btaUPDATED Amid Corruption Concerns at Sofia City Hall, President Demands Thorough Investigation and Equal Justice for All

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev called for a thorough investigation and equal justice for all amid allegations of corruption involving Sofia City Hall officials. Speaking during his visit to Panagyurishte, Radev emphasized the importance of uncovering any wrongdoing, asking pointedly who might be involved and to what extent - and insisting that “everyone must be equal before the law.”

Speaking to reporters, Radev stressed, “From now on, it is crucial to establish whether corruption exists, who is involved, and to what extent. Let everyone be equal before the law.”

The President was in Panagyurishte to meet with Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov and tour production facilities of Optix AD.

Radev also raised concerns about large advance payments made by the government in previous years that have sparked public outrage and suspicions of mismanagement, but have since sunk in oblivion. He questioned what happened to the funds allocated for the construction of the Hemus Motorway, which were reportedly paid in advance to contractors. “Now, we are paying for it again,” the President said.

Additionally, Radev pointed to nearly half a billion leva (approximately EUR 250 million) given in advance to companies tasked with repairing landslides and water reservoirs. “Are there any investigations? Is there a case regarding this issue?” he asked, highlighting ongoing doubts about the transparency and effectiveness of these projects.

When asked about Kiril Petkov’s recent resignation as co-chair of the opposition Continue the Change party and as a member of Parliament, Radev declined to comment, stating that resignations are personal decisions and internal party matters.

When asked about the procedure for appointing the Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, President Radev responded, “I will make a decision very soon, but let’s not speculate on the topic or on names until I have a final decision.”

Regarding the European Council’s praise Thursday for Bulgaria’s readiness to join the eurozone, Radev remarked that "it is not the best approach for the government to rely on external support while Bulgarian citizens are protesting both at home and in Brussels". According to the President, “To keep insisting that prices will not rise with the introduction of the euro, when prices have soared uncontrollably, is not only irrational but a mockery of the people.”

The President also commented on a letter he sent to European leaders concerning the rights of Bulgarians in the Republic of North Macedonia (RNM). “When I represented Bulgaria in the European Council and during the caretaker governments, such an attitude toward our country could not be imagined,” Radev stated. He emphasized that his team "worked daily for the national interest of all Bulgarians". “We did not allow ‘Macedonism’ to be legitimized by starting EU membership negotiations, but I was the first to raise the issue that there are Bulgarians in that country whose rights are being violated,” he added.

“We also insisted on the inclusion of Bulgarians in the Constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia as a mandatory condition for starting membership negotiations. Now we see that not only is the government’s defense of the national interest insufficient, but it also raises the question of whether they fully understand what our national interest regarding the Republic of North Macedonia is and how it should be defended,” the president concluded.