site.btaUPDATED President, Politicians Comment on Special Administrator's Appointment

The appointment on Friday of Rumen Spetsov, the Executive Director of the National Revenue Agency, as special commercial administrator to oversee Russian oil company Lukoil's operations in Bulgaria, has drawn further comments on the weekend.

President Rumen Radev told reporters on Saturday he was concerned about the Bulgarian Constitution and the rule of law. The President said that under the law, the special commercial administrator must draft a detailed six-month plan of action, which must then be submitted to the Security Council at the Council of Ministers for approval, and that has not been done. Radev warned that an action that violates the law from the outset carries a huge risk of leading to further violations.

He warned that the power holders have made sure that the special commercial administrator is not subject to administrative and judicial control.

Commenting on the UK and US sanctions exemptions granted for Lukoil entities in Bulgaria until February 14 and April 29, 2026, respectively, the President said it was clear there would be a licence not just for Bulgaria but for all affected EU Member States, since the US and the EU are strategic allies. He added that the latest developments should not be considered a heroic diplomatic achievement.

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov disagreed with the President's legal concerns about Spetsov's appointment. Zhelyazkov said that Spetsov's expertise comes from his long experience as a control and supervisory official, especially with regard to excise goods. His integrity has been tested under many governments, said the Prime Minister. "We believe that his appointment allows each Lukoil subsidiary to maintain, in whole or in part, its operational staff. Our task is to avoid sending signals that Bulgaria's investment climate has deteriorated."

In a Facebook video, Zhelyazkov said the important task ahead is to ensure the timely and normal delivery of oil, as well as its unhindered processing and distribution. He said he trusts Spetsov's ability to bring the necessary calm to the market. "The government had to do the best it could, and we did it, without fanfare, without getting involved in internal political dynamics. We showed that when we work effectively, with the support of the majority in Parliament, the result is clear."

GERB-UDF Deputy Floor Leader Denitsa Sacheva dismissed claims that Spetsov lacks the necessary experience for his new position. She stressed that the international institutions trust Spetsov as evidenced on Friday by the swiftly obtained UK and the US sanctions waivers for Lukoil entities in Bulgaria. In her view, the special administrator will not act alone but with a team.

Sacheva said Spetsov's extensive career has included oversight of the fuel sector, risk analysis and efforts to curb smuggling. As far back as 2001, he has been involved in controlling the supply chain for oil, gas and petroleum products. The MP of GERB-UDF said that matters concerning the future of the Lukoil Neftochim oil refinery fall outside the administrator's remit and will be decided at government level.

Interviewed by bTV on Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister and Innovation and Growth Minister Tomislav Donchev said Rumen Spetsov is the most logical choice for special administrator of Lukoil. According to Donchev, the goal is to ensure financial oversight and provide guarantees that there will be no violations regarding payments. "I am confident that since he was a successful head of the Revenue Agency, he will handle this task as well," he said.