site.btaCC Leader Vassilev after Sofia Deputy Mayor's Resignation: Mayor Chooses His Team

"We cannot comment on the resignation of Sofia’s Deputy Mayor for Finance, Ivan Vasilev. What is happening within the team of Sofia Municipality is a question for Mayor Vasil Terziev," said Assen Vassilev, co-chair of Continue the Change, on Thursday in Parliament in response to a question by a BTA reporter.

"As I’ve always said, anyone who has taken on the responsibility of leading an institution has the right to choose their own team and decide who will work in it," added Continue the Change leader.

Regarding Municipal Bank, Vassilev stated that he had submitted inquiries to the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) concerning a 2021 statement, in which the BNB said that all banks must avoid dealings with individuals sanctioned under the Magnitsky Act. Vassilev noted that the financially responsible person and sole chairperson of that political party (referring to MRF–New Beginning) is sanction under the Magnitsky Act. Therefore, Vassilev asked the BNB whether the Central Election Commission’s claim that MRF–New Beginning is banking with Municipal Bank violates BNB regulations and whether it poses a risk to the bank.

Earlier today, Deputy Mayor Ivan Vasilev announced that he had informed the Mayor of Sofia of his intention to resign from the position of Deputy Mayor for Finance and Healthcare. “I have personally explained my reasons to the Mayor of Sofia,” Vasilev stated. He added, “I will remain in office until the issue related to the change of the municipality’s servicing bank is resolved.”