PM Petkov: We have shown, for the first time, that there is a real will to combat corruption in Bulgaria

For the first time, Bulgaria has demonstrated a real will to tackle corruption, Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Kiril Petkov said on January 27 after his hearing by the European Parliament's LIBE Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG.

Using the legislature, I hope that with the change in the anti-corruption commision we will have a real tool to act against corruption, said Kiril Petkov.

According to him, MEPs were surprised by the readiness of the authorities to deal with the problems of corruption and the rule of law in our country.

"Since our first law will be about the anti-corruption commission, the readiness for changes in the judicial system, closure of the specialised prosecutor's office – there is no way to deceive the European institutions with false words. According to the recovery and development plan, the chief prosecutor will not be “Above me only God”, but there will be a judge with a temporary role of prosecutor, who will then return as a judge. The the intention of the coalition is to change completely the role of the chief prosecutor - we need a working Prosecutor's office," PM Petkov said.

Before the MEPs, he pointed out that 20 people in Bulgaria are at the root of corruption in the country.

The Prime Minister expressed high confidence in the leadership of State Agency for National Security, but pointed out that over the years there have been patronage appointments in the agency and it will take time to deal with this problem.

He said he could not commit himself to deadlines for judicial reform and charges against high-ranking officials, as those in power do not have the necessary majority to change the Supreme Judicial Council. In addition, they want all the laws to be obeyed and all the necessary evidence to be gathered.

"There will be a reform, but it is important that we do it according to the rules. We cannot make arrests outside the law, but I guarantee you that from now on there will be no people outside the law." said Petkov.

The Prime Minister also commented on the request for more serious monitoring on Bulgaria, which was made by Chief Prosecutor Ivan Geshev to the Democracy Monitoring Group.

Chief Prosecutor Geshev demanded more serious monitoring on Bulgaria under the EU’s new rule of law mechanism

"I would be very happy to have maximum monitoring of the rule of law in our country," the Prime Minister said.

Today, PM Petkov and Chief Prosecutor Ivan Geshev were heard in the European Parliament's LIBE Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG) in Brussels. It monitors countries with problems with the rule of law, human rights and media freedom. Bulgaria has been monitored for two years.