Sparks fly between the current and former Prime Ministers after new information about the so-called “Barcelonagate” scandal

In the report sent by the Spanish authorities to the Ministry of the Interior, there are photos related to former Prime Minister Borissov, Bulgaria’s Prime Minister, Kiril Petkov, said in February 14 in relation to a report, in which there is evidence of laundering 5 million euros.

Petkov said he had not seen the photos, but was told there were some.

"Not related to exact allegation, but it is a fact that the Spanish authorities have included this photo," he said.

The Prime Minister said the report clearly shows that the Spanish authorities are telling us that there is a high risk of money laundering and that the 5 million is linked to high-profile politicians.

The report originates from the Spanish authorities, not as before, from the media. Here is an opportunity for the Prosecutor’s Office to step in. There were accusations that our information was based on the media, but now the Spanish authorities are giving the findings of their investigation. Same as the American authorities gave their data under Magnitsky act.

How long are we going to wait for someone else to give us information and we do nothing about it. As Bulgarians, we have to say that we are not satisfied with the work of the Prosecutor's Office and we expect change and we all expect Mr Geshev's resignation, the PM added.

In his words, the Prosecutor's Office should start working on the data to identify who the high-ranking politicians are and how this money was laundered.

Prosecutor’s Office seeks info behind Spanish media reports about Bulgarian PM

PM Borissov denies Spanish newspaper allegations linking him to money laundering

The reaction of the opposition GERB party came shortly after the PM’s announcement. The party leader and former Prime Minister, Boyko Borissov, commented that "an old scandal is being reheated".

I have never had a house or a property in Barcelona, I do not have one now and I will not have. I live in Bankya, Borissov said.

He urged that if there is indeed such a report, it should be declassified and it should become clear what information it contains. He also stressed once again that he has many photos and acquaintances with people in Spain.

The insinuations that are being made - they don't even give me the opportunity to hire a lawyer to defend myself, because what can I do for a photo – a photo with a football player, for instance? And let them now if they have such a report - send it, declassify it, check it, whatever they want to do and prove or apologize - one of the two, Borissov added.

Borissov described the public allegations as "another attempt to blackmail us, to discredit us".

BNT: Why do you think the Spanish authorities are sending your photo?

It says it is based on rumours and media publications. You know the publications in El Periodico, and based on that they send a chronological reference, Borissov replied.

He added that he had been to Spain many times over the years, he had been photographed with many people, so it was no wonder that his picture appeared in the media.

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