site.btaVice President Iotova Believes Next Bulgarian EU Commissioner Should Be Nominated by Regular Cabinet

Vice President Iotova Believes Next Bulgarian EU Commissioner Should Be Nominated by Regular Cabinet

Shoumen, Northeast Bulgaria, March 13 (BTA) - The next Bulgarian EU commissioner should be nominated by a regular cabinet, i.e. after the parliamentary elections, Vice President Iliana Iotova told journalists here on Monday.

The caretaker cabinet has these powers, but Iotova believes it would be better if Bulgaria's next EU commissioner is nominated, after the broadest possible public discussion, by stable institutions, such as the next government and parliament.

According to the Vice President, the EU commissioner's personality should not be the sole subject of discussion, as the portfolio this country should get is also important.

Asked to comment the possibility of a multi-speed Europe, Iotova said she dislikes all five options proposed by EC President Jean-Claude Juncker. He gave each Member State until the end of this year to come out with a position, Iotova said, voicing hope that "this time Bulgaria will not be listen to the bosses abroad".

Answering a question about a Turkish Minister's call to vote for a particular political party in the upcoming Bulgarian general elections, Iotova described this as absolutely unacceptable for a sovereign state, adding that she expects a strong reaction from the Foreign Ministry and the Prime Minister concerning this matter.

Asked to comment the withdrawal of a Catholic priest from the northern town of Belene over the locals' refusal to accept a refugee family, which caused protests, Iotova said that a meeting is to be held with the protestors, adding that she would like to hear both sides and all the arguments. According to her, what happened is absolutely unacceptable from a human standpoint. People who are fleeing war and conflicts and who have nothing to do with economic migration, are truly in need of protection, she said, adding that there should be national consensus on the matter.