President Rumen Radev criticized the government's handling of the Lukoil derogation, describing diplomatic celebrations over the U.S. license as unnecessary given America's strategic alliance with Europe. He declared the appointment of special manager Rumen Spetsov illegal, arguing that a mandated six-month activity plan was never developed or presented to the Security Council for approval.
Radev accused the ruling party of enacting legislation that dismantles constitutional safeguards for private property, drawing parallels to past scandals involving Bulgartabac and CorpBank. He asserted that the new laws grant the government unchecked power to dispose of shares and shield the special manager from standard administrative and judicial oversight.
The President identified a deeper political crisis, stating that the absence of debate in parliament signals a move toward dictatorship driven by an informal power operating outside legal and moral norms. He also dismissed the proposed 2026 budget as a tool for political survival that disrespects citizens and increases national debt. Regarding his meeting with Hungary's foreign minister, Radev confirmed the discussion addressed European challenges, clarifying that he cannot compel a meeting with Bulgarian officials.
Radev accused the ruling party of enacting legislation that dismantles constitutional safeguards for private property, drawing parallels to past scandals involving Bulgartabac and CorpBank. He asserted that the new laws grant the government unchecked power to dispose of shares and shield the special manager from standard administrative and judicial oversight.
The President identified a deeper political crisis, stating that the absence of debate in parliament signals a move toward dictatorship driven by an informal power operating outside legal and moral norms. He also dismissed the proposed 2026 budget as a tool for political survival that disrespects citizens and increases national debt. Regarding his meeting with Hungary's foreign minister, Radev confirmed the discussion addressed European challenges, clarifying that he cannot compel a meeting with Bulgarian officials.
