BNT Special Interview with Bulgaria’s President Roumen Radev

In an interview for “More from the Day” programme on 12^th of October, Bulgaria’s President Roumen Radev discussed the relations between the Institution of the President, the main ruling party GERB and the opposition Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP). The interview was recorded earlier today before the President departed for Azerbaijan.

At the beginning of the week, the meeting of the Consultative Council for National Security, which was convened by the President to discuss measures against corruption, was closed without conclusion due to loss of quorum. Some interpreted it to be a boycott. Prime Minister Boyko Borissov denied any such argument and intention.

"In my opinion, the very fact that politicians made an early exit from a forum, in which they should participate by law, is indicative. Their motives are not important to me because the law must be respected, he said "Provided that the topic for the fight against corruption is a priority for the Bulgarian society, it should be a priority for the Bulgarian politicians, regardless of their other commitments," Radev noted.

He is of the opinion that the loss of quorum was not a result of the discussions, but a result of the early exit without prior notification.

"My role is not to look for a mechanical unification of two draft laws - of the main ruling party and of the opposition, but rather to seek unification of principles and guidelines that are in the interest of the society," Radev said referring to the two drafts of anti-corruption law: one prepared by the majority partner in the government, GERB, and one by the opposition BSP.

He pointed out that the GERB draft focuses on prevention and passive forms of fighting corruption. "It is clearly stated in the motives with which this draft law is presented to Parliament that the state policy on combating corruption is not aimed at retaliation, but restoring justice in society. With the forfeiture of illegally acquired assets, justice is restored in society, regardless of criminal prosecution. For me, such an understanding follows corruption to some kind of game," the President said.

"The forfeiture of illegally acquired assets is a must but insufficient condition if we want to have efficiency in this fight. If we rely on prevention, it is not a solution. Corruption is not a problem referred in the future. In order to have an effective fight against corruption, there must be criminal prosecution of current and former acts of corruption An active investigation and prosecution must be carried out," President Radev remarked.

"I put the emphasis on comprehensive and effective anti-corruption measures. It is not possible for the parliamentary majority to simultaneously create the government and appoint the leadership of the anti-corruption body," he said.

Asked whether he would be in favour of the head of the anti-corruption body being voted by the National Assembly and to be confirmed by the President, Radev specified that "we are talking about different hypotheses that are to be clarified especially in Parliament. I want to make it very clear that the appointment of this authority is not a self-fulfilling aim. I would accept to appoint this leadership only if the anti-corruption authority has clear investigative functions and capacity to exercise them."

The President also commented on the issue of the tensions between the institutions, pointing out that they can hardly be hidden when it is forbidden to pronounce the President's name. (He referred to orders to the GERB group from its leadership to stop public attacks on Radev). "An entire parliamentary committee was “thrown” at the presidency, unscrupulous suggestions of lobbyism and corruption were made," he said referring to the ad-hoc parliamentary committee on the fighter jet acquisition process, which was set up in June. "On the other hand, no one dares to come out and openly announce allegations because they know they will be defeated in court. I appreciate the Prime Minister's mediation efforts, but obviously he can hardly shout down the members of his own political party," the head of state said.

"There is a correct and working dialogue between me and Prime Minister Borissov, as well as with many of his ministers. But this cannot take away his responsibility for his own majority and the behaviour of this majority. I am ready to meet with Mr. Borissov to clarify all these points, but under clear conditions, the first of which is that there cannot be agreement in the name of corruption comfort. And the second is that it must be very clear who speaks about what on behalf of the power. The Institutions should work well together," he commented.

Regarding the President's relations with the BSP, Roumen Radev stressed that they are infinitely clear and clarified during the pre-election campaign.

The President also spoke on the issues about the choice and acquisition of military aircraft, national security and modernization of the army.

Referring to the topic of Bulgaria’s EU Presidency Radev said that “Bulgaria has to put the topics of interest of the EU on the agenda, be able to coordinate the work on these topics, but the great responsibility rests with the Bulgarian administration. Bulgarian institutions must show maturity and create confidence, “ he said

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