site.btaPresident Radev's Euro Referendum Proposal Is Grave Provocation, MEPs Nikola Minchev, Hristo Petrov Say

Commenting on President Rumen Radev’s idea to table a proposal to the National Assembly for a referendum on Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro, Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria/Renew Europe MEPs Nikola Minchev and Hristo Petrov issued a joint statement calling the head of State’s move "a grave provocation and an attempt to divert the country from its European path and to cast doubt on its place at the heart of the European integration process".

Minchev and Petrov recalled that a similar referendum proposal was previously tabled to the National Assembly and rightly rejected by a convincing majority in the 49th Parliament. They also pointed out that the Constitutional Court had confirmed that a referendum on the timing of euro adoption is unconstitutional.

The MEPs criticized what they called the President’s "lack of consistent statesmanship," noting a stark "evolution" in his position since November 2022, when he clearly said that holding a referendum on issues governed by ratified international treaties was impossible. They voiced concern that Radev is now "standing side by side with the rhetoric of a party whose representatives celebrate May 9 on Red Square".

Minchev and Petrov’s statement emphasized the need for a public awareness campaign to explain the implications and benefits of adopting the euro.

The timing of the President’s announcement on May 9, Europe Day, "which only serves the strategic interests of those celebrating Victory Day instead," is, in the MEPs' words, "yet another warning and a timely reminder that in today’s complex geopolitical environment – where European unity is more necessary than ever – external influences with domestic allies are trying to divert Bulgaria from its European course".