site.btaPresident Radev: European Elections Cannot Serve as Exoneration for Corruption Scandals

May 27 (BTA) - Commenting on Sunday's European Parliament
 elections in Bulgaria, President Rumen Radev Monday said that
the record-low voter turnout is a slap in the political class'
face and a sign that Bulgaria is receding further and further
from Europe and its processes. In his words, democratic Europe's
 voter turnout is at least twice higher, and Bulgarians should
take this into consideration.

Radev called on all political parties to analyse very well not
only their own programmes but also what is happening in Bulgaria
 and how this country will catch up with Europe.

The head of State congratulated the ruling GERB party on its
election results, noted the success of the VMRO, and said that
the biggest success in the elections was achieved by the
Democratic Bulgaria coalition.

These elections cannot serve as an exoneration for the
corruption scandals in Bulgaria, Radev commented. "This
[corruption] is a violation of the rule of law. Elections are a
political act, they cannot replace the prosecution and the
court, and cannot excuse plunder and crime," he added.

Reacting to comments that he, too, lost the European Parliament
elections, Radev said that he has already gotten used to others
linking him to a party, an ideology or something else. He noted
that his criticism of the Government  is not new and is not
linked to any party and election campaign. "My criticism is
methodical, just like the corruption and lawlessness that breed
this particular style of governance," the President added.

IG/DS