site.btaPM Borissov: Future Anti-Corruption Office Should Be Another Prosecution Service

PM Borissov: Future Anti-Corruption Office Should Be Another Prosecution Service

Sofia, February 23 (BTA) - Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said on February 22 that the future anti-corruption office should not exist only on paper. "It should play the role of another prosecution service in the fight against corruption," Borissov told a conference in Sofia organized by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. The conference was entitled "Bulgaria as a Partner in the EU and NATO. Current Challenges and Prospects."

Borissov said that in the last few weeks the incumbents have realized there is no "middle road" or a road of compromise in combating smuggling. The suppression of smuggling has brought 3 billion leva in additional revenues into the public purse, while in the field of public procurement the government has terminated dubious procedures and contracts totalling 1.7 billion leva, so it is only natural that there is a reaction against the government, he noted. His remark came after he received a life threat which was disclosed to the public on Monday.

"If there has been anything good happening in Bulgaria over the last few years, besides democracy, it has been made possible by the EU funds," Borissov said, noting the EU-aided construction of the Sofia underground railway, national railways and roads, and the purchase of medical equipment.

The Prime Minister thanked the Konrad Adenauer Foundation for its support for his GERB party, saying that its money has not been wasted. "Europe now needs political parties which are not misguided by populism and nationalism," he argued. He recalled the recent European Council meeting and drew attention to the serious problems which Europe needs to address.

Borissov reiterated his view that the EU should close its external borders to migrants who do not come through the official border passes. "We made a mistake when we equated illegal migration with legal passage across the borders. In order to enter a Schengen country, Bulgarians need to present their identity cards and this has been enshrined in the Schengen Agreement. Unlike the Bulgarians, who are also Europeans, the migrants are coming in without any IDs. That is why the Schengen Agreement must be amended," he said.