site.btaSupport for Vulnerable Groups Not Provided by Political Parties, Social Policy Minister Says

Caretaker Labour and Social Policy Minister Hasan Ademov said on Wednesday that political parties do not provide support for vulnerable groups through hot meals, personal assistants or European Solidarity Corps programmes. Ademov was speaking in the southern town of Haskovo following reports of alleged electioneering by a political party at a building where the Bulgarian Red Cross (BRC) distributes food aid.

“Everyone should be confident that they will receive this support if they meet the means test. It is not linked to political parties, leaders or local authorities,” he stressed.

In Haskovo, 25,871 people receive support under the European Solidarity Corps, 2,291 are personal assistants, and more than 3,000 people benefit from the hot meal programme. “Over 30,000 users of the Ministry’s social services are from vulnerable groups and are particularly susceptible to pressure,” Ademov added.

The BRC is a non-governmental organization and operates independently from ministries. Under its contract with the Social Assistance Agency, European partners require an NGO with national coverage to distribute food products impartially. “I have not accused anyone; this is not our role,” Ademov said.

The Minister also shared a photo showing a poster of a political party displayed on the building where the BRC distributes aid. A report was received about a civil servant from Haskovo’s Social Assistance Directorate, who, according to an eyewitness account confirmed by the Ministry's Inspectorate, attended the nomination of a candidate for the April 19 snap parliamentary elections during working hours. Ademov said that person would be called to account.

Caretaker Interior Minister Emil Dechev said it is crucial to explain to citizens who the real donor is. “If it is not made clear that the BRC is the actual donor and another source is claimed instead, that is a lie. During elections, it must be exposed immediately,” he added.