Reactions in Parliament after President's Decision to Use His Private Car for Travel

For the second consecutive day, the Bulgarian Parliament failed to reach a quorum. Delyan Peevski, leader of “MRF – New Beginning”, stated that everything is in the hands of GERB-UDF leader Boyko Borisov and reiterated MRF’s readiness to participate in government. Some MPs also commented on President Rumen Radev’s decision to use his personal car for travelling with members of his staff while carrying out official duties.

• President Radev: I Stand in Solidarity with the Staff - I Will Use My Personal Car When Travelling with Members of the Presidential Institution

Delyan Peevski, floor leader of the 'MRF - New Beginning' group: 'This is outright populism, Rumen needs to get off the official cars because what he is doing now is establishing a party of his own. I have information from local sources, my party structures are telling me that. It is not honourable and if he has any sense of integrity, he should resign today. Let him form his party, develop it, and participate in the elections when the time comes.”

Radostin Vassilev, Chair of the MECH (Morality, Unity, Honour) Parliamentary Group: “It’s easy for the president to stand at the institution and say ten sentences, but to come here to deal with the ‘big D’ and the other one in Parliament personally is very difficult. Let him make his party faster, and we are waiting for him on the ground.”

Ivaylo Mirchev, MP from the 'We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria' Parliamentary Group: “All politicians should give up their official vehicles. They should come to work in their private cars, as is the practice in some Scandinavian countries. For the President, the Speaker, and the Prime Minister, this should not apply – they should continue to be protected by the National Service for Protection.”

According to Delyan Peevski, solving the problem of the parliamentary deadlock and the lack of quorum is entirely in Boyko Borisov’s hands. He again confirmed 'MRF – New Beginning'’s readiness to take part in the governance of the country and share responsibility.

Meanwhile, the smallest parliamentary group, Velichie, experienced internal tension. Its leader, Ivelin Mihaylov, announced that he disassociates himself from eight MPs who registered in the plenary hall today, despite that there was a decision of the leadership not to do so.

Delyan Peevski, Chair of 'MRF – New Beginning' PG: “I spoke with the Prime Minister. I’m waiting for them; they are expected to have a decision by Monday on what they will do. I suppose he is waiting for Borisov. Everything is in Borisov’s hands – whether he will push the country to the abyss.”

• 'MRF-New Beginning' Leader Peevski Says His Party Is Prepared to Share Power, Urges President Radev to Resign

Ivaylo Mirchev, MP of WCC-DB:“Regarding the National Assembly, I want to be very clear about who is responsible for MPs not attending work – Borisov and Delyan Peevski.”

Radostin Vassilev, chairman of the MECH PG: “Early elections are necessary to pressure these people to take responsibility together. That’s why today we proposed D+B=Eternal, Inseparable Love, because in full coordination they are sabotaging the state, absolutely sabotaging it.”

Ivelin Mihailov, Chair of the “Velichie” Parliamentary Group: “I want to distance myself from the eight MPs who registered for work in the National Assembly today. I have no desire to work with people who think so small and trivial for petty money. This is what I wanted to say. For this reason, these people must find a way to apologise.”