site.btaUPDATED PM Denkov: GERB Suggested Assen Vassilev Can Be Appointed as Second Deputy PM

Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov, who commented the upcoming rotation in the Government in March 2024 during a briefing in Parliament, said that the idea to have Assen Vassilev appointed as Deputy Prime Minister came from GERB. Commenting on the idea to have Vassilev appointed as second Deputy Prime Minister, Denkov said: "I have always said that this is a possible option, and if it was put on the table by them, we would not object."

The Prime Minister added that he would not like the talks on the rotation to start with a change of the initial arrangement because, in his words, this could take them in the wrong direction.

Denkov spoke about the current ministers, saying that each of them is working in a very difficult environment. "I may have criticisms of certain activities, but generally speaking, each of these ministers could go on and stay in the new Cabinet. The question is whether in some individual cases we could have a candidate, who could do it faster and better," he added.

Denkov emphasized the importance of maintaining the sense of teamwork in the Cabinet. He said that it would be extremely harmful, if ministers started thinking that they work for a particular person. He was adamant that ministers should work as a team to solve problems.

Commenting on Health Minister Hristo Hinkov's statement that he lacks political support, Denkov said that ministers are often attacked without much reason. Denkov added: "Minister Hinkov has done a lot of work. There are tasks that were delayed, but it remains to be seen whether or not there were objective reasons for the delay."

Asked whether he will participate the discussions on in filling the positions in the regulatory institutions, Denkov said he will, as he is part of the leadership of Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria. He stressed that decisions will be taken by the National Assembly.

Regarding the talks led by Defence Minister Todor Tagarev during his visit to the US about the potential deployment of additional troops on our territory, Denkov assured that Tagarev cannot make such a decision alone. Denkov added that the talks led by the Defence Minister will be discussed, once he returns to Bulgaria. According to Denkov, Bulgaria is gradually building a stronger army thanks to the change in training and Bulgaria's better integration with NATO allies.