site.btaGERB's Kostadin Angelov Describes Careatker PM Designate Gurov as "Prominent Political Figure"

Andrey Gurov, nominated for caretaker prime minister, is a prominent political figure, said GERB-UDF MP and Parliament Deputy Chair Kostadin Angelov on Bulgarian National Radio here on Sunday, commenting on the formation of the future caretaker cabinet.

“Everything sounds suspicious to us. Gurov is a prominent political figure who has defended political positions that were serious weaknesses of his formation [Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria]. At the moment, we don’t know what is happening. Previously, all candidates for caretaker prime minister presented their cabinets publicly; now we don’t know who is forming the cabinet or where it is happening,” Angelov said.

Regarding media reports that Delyan Dobrev might leave GERB, the parliamentary group, and politics, Angelov denied the claims. “We meet almost daily at the party headquarters. Dobrev is one of GERB’s leading figures and puts in much effort. At present, no resignation has been submitted,” he stressed.

On reports that former interior minister in the second Borisov government, Vesselin Vuchkov, was invited to return to the post but declined, Angelov said the information came through third- or fourth-hand sources. “These processes should be public to avoid speculation. It is our duty to work to restore trust in institutions, and processes must be transparent,” he added.

On President Rumen Radev’s statement about participating in the election campaign, Angelov criticized him for not answering nearly any questions. “He said he would fight oligarchy, but didn’t clarify which one, didn’t say if he is left or right. Throughout his presidency, he has actively participated in the weakening of the state and its institutions. Bulgarians need to know clearly where he would lead them – when people board his plane, they should know whether it will land in Washington, Brussels, or Moscow,” he said.

Asked about possible cooperation between Boyko Borisov and Radev after the elections, Angelov advised not to confuse silence with “etiquette.” “Once parties enter Parliament, they must find ways to communicate and achieve national priorities together.”

On Bulgaria joining the Board of Peace, Angelov said the country participates in peace negotiations in Gaza. “In diplomacy, it’s better to be at the negotiating table than on the menu,” he noted, adding that direct communication with the White House is an advantage for Bulgaria.

Regarding the presidential veto of the Election Code amendments, likely to be debated next week in Parliament, Angelov stressed that GERB does not hold external negotiations or make secret deals. He recalled that GERB’s position on the Election Code has remained unchanged for decades: “In principle, we believe that 30 voting sections outside the EU, together with diplomatic and consular missions, meet the interests of Bulgarian citizens.”