site.btaUPDATED President Criticizes Incumbents for Being Paralyzed, Dependent on MRF Leader Peevski

“It is clear to everyone that the incumbents are in paralysis, waiting for the MP sanctioned under the Magnitsky Act to tell them whether they will continue to exist,” said President Rumen Radev, speaking at the official opening of the Annual Conference of the Public Broadcasters International in Sofia. 

The President was apparently referring to Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) leader Delyan Peevski, who has been sanctioned under the Global Magnitsky Act for corruption. Peevski has recently shown readiness to "share the government responsibility", which has been the subject of discussion within the ruling coalition between GERB, There Is Such a People and the Socialists. 

“The government is afraid to hold meetings, and the National Assembly cannot secure quorum unless that same politician allows it,” the head of state added. “Apparently, this is some people’s idea of statehood,” he remarked. 

“I’m not surprised at all — they’re simply one and the same,” Radev said in response to a question about GERB leader Boyko Borissov’s remarks that he has known Delyan Peevski for 20 years and knows what he can count on.

Asked about possible reshuffles in the Government, Radev replied that he could not say. “That will be decided by Mr. Peevski,” he added.