site.btaZhivko Martinov MP of GERB Quits Parliament after Corruption Scandal

Dobrich, Northeastern Bulgaria, July 25 (BTA) - Zhivko Martinov MP of GERB, who is being investigated by the Anticorruption Specialized Unit, has quit his seat in Parliament, GERB floor leader Tsvetan Tsvetanov told a news conference in Dobrich.

Tsvetanov quoted Martinov as saying on Tuesday that he wanted to be relieved of his duties as an MP "so as not to impede the investigation and, above all, not to undermine the prestige of GERB and of Prime Minister Boyko Borissov".

On July 21, Prosecutor General Sotir Tsatsarov moved to lift Martinov's immunity and the MP waived it himself. Tsatsarov said that Martinov used Prime Minister Boyko Borissov's name to exert pressure on a businessman in Dobrich for the purpose of gaining benefits for himself and the party.