site.btaDeputy PM Slateva Denies Bias in Preparation of EU Presidency

Deputy PM Slateva Denies Bias in Preparation of EU Presidency

Sofia, March 14 (BTA) - Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Deniza Slateva denied preferences in selecting non-governmental organizations for the preparation of the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU, Slateva herself told journalists. She categorically denied accusations that she has allocated millions to NGOs.

"A total of 54 organizations, a large part of them financed through grants by the Open Society Institute and the discredited America for Bulgaria Foundation, have the ambition to get an access to the budget for the EU Presidency," "Troud" wrote in a publication on March 12. "Several dozens of millions are envisaged for cultural, media and information servicing. The beneficiaries, related to the Capital oligarchic circle, have designs namely in regards to these funds," reads the story.

The Deputy PM noted that she will work with all willing NGOs, trade unions or university lecturers without differentiating between them on the basis of their party affiliation. The Presidency is a national cause, she observed.

"The allegations that we will give millions are false. The question is about very small amounts," Slateva noted.

Slateva also said that the caretaker government has not discussed specific candidates for a Bulgarian Commissioner in connection with press allegations that Bulgarian Ambassador to Switzerland Meglena Plougchieva is the favourite for this position.