President Rumen Radev: Bulgaria’s Parliament is not a market place

Speaking to journalists on June 17, Bulgaria’s President Rumen Radev commented the current political situation in the country.

"Like all Bulgarians, I am watching with disappointment the rift in this National Assembly. The parties should be aware that with these mud fights they are discrediting the entire political system. The Bulgarian Parliament is not a marketplace. Some are shopping for MPs, others are agreeing to bring back the old corrupt model."

In his words, both sides are killing the hopes and trust of the Bulgarians in the political class - with their speech, their behaviour and with the bickering between political opponents.

"The blockade of the institutions is a fact and people expect quick solutions. The government bears the entire responsibility for governing the country until the National Assembly decides otherwise," the President said.

The cabinet should dispel any suspicions that Bulgaria might back down from the veto on North Macedonia, he stressed.

"You know that the Prime Minister is going to Brussels next week and has to defend the national interest. That is why both the National Assembly and the Bulgarians should know in advance and clearly what position exactly the Prime Minister will defend and it cannot diverge from the framework of the CCNS. Any chicanery or attempt to replace it will have severe consequences," Radev said.

The Head of State visited the National Mechatronics Centre and inspected the laboratory complex.