PM Declares Zero Tolerance for Corrupt Practices at Interior Ministry

Diana Dukovska

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, May 14, 2025 (BTA Photo/Milena Stoykova)

Sofia,

14.05.2025 14:34

(BTA)

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov Wednesday said there is zero tolerance for corrupt practices at the Interior Ministry. He reviewed the progress in implementing the governance programme adopted on February 24.

The Prime Minister said that, in the fight against corruption at the Interior Ministry, integrity tests have been conducted, including for people against whom reports of corrupt practices have been filed. Zhelyazkov said the Ministry is making active efforts to purge its structures of unauthorized conduct, covering a wide range of practices such as influence peddling and professional or political protection for criminal schemes.

Regarding border security, the Prime Minister said Bulgaria's frontiers are protected reliably by both human resources and technical means in partnership with Frontex. Recruitment procedures have been launched for the Border Police, and within a short timeframe, 34 drones have been purchased. The drones are now part of the prevention and monitoring system used to track routes along the Turkish-Bulgarian border, Zhelyazkov said.

"Cooperation with Turkiye is of vital importance for Bulgaria and the EU, and we have excellent coordination with our partners along the border," the Prime Minister said.

Zhelyazkov highlighted the material support provided to the Interior Ministry, particularly for improving road safety and reducing traffic accidents. "We have submitted a bill to amend the Road Traffic Act," he said. Over 300 unmarked vehicles will be purchased through the Road Safety Fund to help enforce traffic regulations.

During the reference period, more than 2,300 police operations were conducted across the country to combat the trafficking, production and distribution of illicit drugs, with a notable increase in the quantities seized.

At the Prime Minister's direction, a clear algorithm is being developed for the use of the BG Alert system. Zhelyazkov noted that all regional governors have undergone training, as the system is most effective when used for early prevention and local warning. Mayors must also be included in this process because they hold the responsibility for early warning of the population.

/DS/