site.btaGERB Hits Back at President’s Criticisms over Inflation, Past Financial Scandals, Relations with Skopje

Denitsa Sacheva, deputy chair of the GERB–SDS parliamentary group, reacted to criticism by President Rumen Radev earlier in the day over inflation and the country's plans to join the eurozone, past financial scandals and failing to defend national interests on the Republic of North Macedonia.

Sacheva described Radev's remarks as "particularly unfortunate," especially in light of fresh acclaim from European institutions recognizing Bulgaria's Eurozone readiness. “On the very day Bulgaria received this recognition, instead of congratulations, we got another round of cutting remarks,” she said.

Friday morning, Radev remarked that "it is not the best approach for the government to rely on external support while Bulgarian citizens are protesting both at home and in Brussels". According to the President, “To keep insisting that prices will not rise with the introduction of the euro, when prices have soared uncontrollably, is not only irrational but a mockery of the people.”

Sacheva stressed that authorities are actively working to combat price gouging. She dismissed Radev's criticism—“as a military man, [he] envisions a command economy”—and added, “Thank goodness Bulgaria will never see that kind of governance.”

Sacheva reminded Radev that he "still owes explanations about BOTAS and why Bulgarians have to pay some BGN 1.05 million daily [under the take-of-pay deal with the Turkish company] so he can fulfill his vision for a 30-year energy strategy".

The contract with BOTAS was signed by a caretaker cabinet appointed by President Radev and enjoyed his strong support. “There are many hot topics that the Presidential institution faces, including corruption - it’s time to get answers, not moral lectures,” Sacheva asserted.

Responding to Radev’s reference to financial irregularities with the Hemus Motorway construction project and payments for landslide and reservoir repairs that have never been done, Sacheva said, “Work on those projects was temporarily halted. In the meantime, inflation hit hard.” She noted the absence of any proven legal charges related to Radev's accusations. “Now that work has resumed, it is unworthy to shift blame again,” she added.

Sacheva also defended the government's stance in Europe regarding North Macedonia. Though an EP Foreign Affairs Committee vote on the draft accession report moved forward, final approval lies ahead in plenary. She commended Bulgarian MEPs’ unified efforts and criticized Radev for not distinguishing between constructive diplomacy and public grandstanding. She noted that proposed Bulgarian amendments are expected to receive broad support: not only from the European People’s Party but also from the Socialists, the Conservatives, and likely from Renew Europe as well.