site.btaPresident Radev: The Decision for New Fighters, Modernisation of the Army Is in the Hands of the Prime Minister

Sofia, October 2 (BTA) - "The decision for buying new fighters and the comprehensive modernization of the army is in the hands of the Prime Minister. As I have already said, the responsibility is also his," President Rumen Radev told journalists after opening the new academic year in the aula of St. Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia Monday.

Taking a question whether he will discuss the key issues related to the modernization of the army with the PM, Radev said he had hoped the Prime Minister to curb his supporters in Parliament, but that had not happened. "To judge by all actions of GERB, I can see that either the Prime Minister is losing control or else he is encouraging his party in its actions, so that I no longer see any sense in such a meeting," the Head of State said.

Asked whether there is some tension between GERB and the President, Radev answered that such a "battle" is under way, although the party does not dare to declare it, that is if they want a conflict - they will get it. What concerns him more is not such a conflict, but all processes under way in the country, and that against the backdrop of the forthcoming Presidency of the EU.

Radev added that he is also concerned with the manner in which this EU Presidency is regarded, with what Bulgaria will gain from it, rather than whether it will be successful or not, for the European practice is to "get a pat on the back". Radev thinks the incumbents regard this Presidency as some omerta which will guarantee peace at home and legitimacy abroad.

Taking a question whether the Chef de Cabinet of the head of state has access to classified information without having such authorization, as the media have learnt, Radev answered that he does not, but will receive such, adding that these are definitely speculations.

Asked whether there should be a Committee for Disclosing the Documents and Announcing Affiliation of Bulgarian Citizens to the State Security and Intelligence Services of the Bulgarian National Army, whether it has done its job or should be disbanded, the President said that this is a matter of serious debate, but the more pressing question on the agenda is the chairman of this committee.

Radev added that the current nomination [of GERB MP Anton Todorov] is an insult to Bulgaria's past and the Bulgarian public. He compared it to appointing a poacher as a game warden and added that this would divide the nation.

Taking a question about the still unsigned decree for appointment of the President of the Supreme Administrative Court, Radev answered that he has already said he expects the new Supreme Judicial Council to confirm the nomination and that this nomination would be given new legitimacy in the spirit of the reforms in the judicial system, adding that the news will be broken on October 4.

Commenting on the Catalan referendum, the Bulgarian President declared that police batons will not resolve the problem, but will rather aggravate it.