site.btaCountering Elections-Related Crimes Is Top Priority for Interior Ministry, New Minister Says

Countering crimes against the electoral legislation and vote-buying are a top priority of the Interior Ministry, caretaker Interior Minister Atanas Ilkov said Monday as he took over from his predecessor Kalin Stoyanov. He said, "There are several tasks ahead of us: ensuring public order before, during and after the elections."

He said it is now necessary to "allow the Interior Ministry system to calm down so that the Interior Ministry officers can feel the comfort they need to continue their work as they have done before, to perform their duties effectively so that they meet the expectations of the public".  

He also said he is "aware of the complex situation" in which he steps in as Interior Ministry. "I am confident that with all the employees in the Ministry of Interior, most of whom I have known for a long time - their experience, qualities and capabilities, commitment and dedication to work, we will meet public expectations and all those trends of the recent weeks will remain in history," said Atanas Ilkov.