site.btaCulture Minister in Favour of Proposed Euro Referendum as Asking People Is Instrument of Democracy

Commenting on the President's proposal for a referendum on the euro's adoption, Culture Minister Marian Bachev told bTV on Sunday that he personally believes that elections and referenda are the main instruments of democracy, and there is nothing wrong with people being asked and answering and bearing the consequences for their answers.

"As someone who is a supporter of democracy, yes, I am in favour of having referenda and having them happen, and as long as they are legally and constitutionally sound. If this referendum were to happen, I would vote for the euro to remain as an idea to be part of our currency system," Minister Bachev said.

Asked whether he is part of the There Is such a People party, which has voiced support for the euro referendum, Bachev said he was not part of the party but on its quota.  

On Friday evening, President Rumen Radev said in an address to the nation that he will table to Parliament a proposal for a referendum on the adoption of the euro. Citizens would have to answer the following question: “Do you agree for Bulgaria to adopt the single European currency euro in 2026?" The head of State's proposal sparked strong political reactions on Friday and Saturday.