site.btaPresident Plevneliev Says Will Not Veto Election Code Changes

President Plevneliev Says Will Not Veto Election Code Changes

Sofia, October 27 (BTA) - President Rosen Plevneliev said on Thursday he will speed along the recently approved changes to the Election Code.

He added it is far more important to have stability in the election process ahead of the November 6 presidential vote.

The head of state said he will not be the one who will impose a veto at such a critical moment so as to ratchet up the instability factor in this process.

"These amendments may not be perfect but as a head of state, my point of view is quite different - I have always called for stability," Plevneliev said. "Fully aware of this responsibility of mine - to work for stability and to ensure predictability in the election rules, I signed off today on these changes," he added.

Plevneliev noted that in his address to the nation he had put concrete questions to the presidential candidates but has been left wanting in terms of their response. He urged them to go on record in the last few days of campaigning with their plans for each of the burning issues.

Commenting on the recent exchange of remarks with Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, Plevneliev said the additional clarifications made yesterday by Borissov were very important and he thanked the Prime Minister for them. It became clear from what Borissov said that the whole thing boiled down not to any circles but to legitimate talks that the Prime Minister held with employer and trade union organisations. "From where I stand, this issue has been laid to rest," Plevneliev said.

The President said he has taken a clear position - no one should expect him to found political parties after he steps down. Also, no one should expect him to fight at any cost to stay in politics and get another position. "I have given a lot to Bulgaria and, going forward, I will continue to give," Plevneliev said.

"I am proud to be the head of state that set the agenda for the country's long-term planning - achieving full agreement on 'Bulgaria 2020', starting the debate on 'Bulgaria 2030'," Plevneliev said.