site.btaStrikes against Iran Pose Real Risk to Bulgaria's Security, Caretaker Cabinet's Passive Behaviour Is Concerning, Says Former President Radev

Strikes against Iran pose a real risk to Bulgaria's security, and the passive behaviour of the caretaker government, which downplays the risks and fails to take the necessary measures in such situations, is a cause for concern, former President (2017–2026) Rumen Radev wrote on Facebook on Wednesday.

Bulgaria is located in close proximity to two armed conflicts, he said, adding that the one in the Middle East is expanding rapidly and already encompasses the entire region.

According to Radev, the war in the Gulf has already led to a sharp rise in the prices of oil and natural gas, which are unlikely to return to previous levels in the near future.

He said it is urgent for the government to check the reserves of crude oil, liquid fuels and gas available to Bulgaria, as well as the readiness to use them if necessary.

"The entire nomenclature of the State Reserve must be reviewed. Disruptions to supply chains and the new fuel prices risk affecting all sectors of the European economy, of which Bulgaria is a part. The risk of shortages at all levels is real. It must be forecast and mitigated through proactive measures," Radev wrote.

He also noted that the war is expected to trigger a new wave of migration in the coming months. Bulgaria is the first European country along the migration route from the Middle East and should raise the issue at the next European Council meeting rather than wait for others to do so, he added. The problem requires European coordination and preventive measures, he said. 

Radev also called for a review and, if necessary, an update of plans for enhanced protection of the State border to manage potential increased migration pressure. Plans to combat terrorism should also be reviewed and vigilance increased, he said.

Drone and ballistic missile attacks in areas close to Bulgaria's region require the Ministry of Defence and the security services to assess the protection of the country's strategic sites from such threats, he said, adding that mechanisms to counter such risks should be urgently developed.

Plans should also be prepared for the possible deployment of additional forces and resources from the Bulgarian Armed Forces for air defence and counter-drone operations, Radev wrote.

According to him, alongside these measures the government must also curb speculative price increases, which he said result from the accelerated introduction of the euro and the insufficient preparedness of Bulgarian institutions to tackle speculation.