site.btaContinue the Change Members Talk with EU Commissioner for Democracy on Rule of Law in Bulgaria

Three members of Continue the Change (CC) - leader Assen Vassilev, Co-floor Leader Nikolay Denkov, and MEP Nikola Minchev - together with Renew Europe President Valerie Hayer and ALDE President Svenja Hahn held an online meeting with the European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath. They discussed their concerns about the worsening state of the rule of law in Bulgaria, the CC's press centre said on Monday.  

The discussion focused on issues such as the politically motivated arrest and detention of Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev and the broader crackdown on democratic principles.

Hahn, who had already sent an official letter to Commissioner McGrath, noted that in recent months, there has been an alarming trend of political interference in judicial matters, increasing use of prosecutorial power to target opposition figures, and legislative efforts that risk undermining the democratic balance of powers. These developments not only threaten Bulgaria's democratic institutions, but also raise serious questions about adherence to the fundamental values of the EU, she argued.

The Renew Europe President said that the rule of law is the foundation of the EU. In his words, it is unacceptable to abuse the judicial system to target political opponents. Bulgaria deserves an independent judiciary, not one that is manipulated for political purposes. He called for a debate in the European Parliament.

Vassilev, Denkov, and Minchev provided additional details on the situation. They highlighted the abuse of judicial institutions for political purposes and the growing threats to democratic standards in Bulgaria. Respect for the rule of law is a fundamental value of the EU and must be guaranteed in every Member State, they are quoted as saying during the online meeting. In Minchev's words, selective justice is unacceptable, and Europe cannot stand idly by while democracy and fundamental rights are under attack.

Commissioner McGrath confirmed his commitment to monitoring developments in Bulgaria and defending the rule of law throughout the European Union.