site.btaUPDATED President Radev to Use Own Car when Travelling with Staff as of Oct. 20

As of October 20, Bulgaria's President Rumen Radev will use his personal car when travelling with members of his staff, who now have to use their own vehicles while carrying out official duties related to state ceremonies, protocol, and events in the President’s work programme, according to a letter Radev has sent to the director of the National Service for Protection (NSP), quoted by the head of State's Press Secretariat.

The President's decision was prompted by recent amendments to the legislation regulating the work of NSP, whereby members of the President's staff can no longer use NSP transportation services. The amendment was supported by GERB–UDF, BSP–United Left, There Is Such a People, and Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) – New Beginning, as well as three independent MPs. The bill was introduced by Kalin Stoyanov from MRF–New Beginning.

“As a commander in the Bulgarian Armed Forces, I have never abandoned my subordinates in difficult situations - situations often created by the decisions of those in power. As President of the Republic of Bulgaria, I will not betray my principles and will stand in solidarity with the employees of the institution. I am convinced that when the political class passes laws that undermine the State, we, the Bulgarian citizens, must rebuild it. And that begins with personal integrity and restoring trust between citizens and politicians,” Radev wrote in his letter. 

“I believe that you, as a general responsible for your subordinates, understand and share my reasoning,” the President added.

Speaking to reporters later in the day, Radev said that “it may be populist, but it is a fair solution.“ “If they are truly consistent and have passed a law requiring people to use their personal cars for official duties, and they deem this normal, then they should follow through themselves. They should step out of their limousines and start using their own cars for official business. That way, some of them will finally get to meet their constituents,” Radev said.

“When the powers that be and the political class pass laws that undermine the State, it is the citizens who must rebuild it,” the President added.

As to his personal security detail, Radev said that he does not have the legal right to give it up. “If the MPs pass such a law, I will give up my personal protection detail.”