site.btaUPDATED President Radev: Government's Horizon Depends on Goals, Means to Achieve Them

This government was born mostly out of the need to end the political crisis and this endless cycle of elections, President Rumen Radev told journalists on Thursday in Parliament the legislature elected Rosen Zhelyazkov as prime minister and approved the structure and composition of the Council of Ministers.

The government's horizon depends on what goals it sets and, above all, what means and methods it will use to achieve these goals, Radev said. In his words, the most important thing is that it works in the interest of the Bulgarian people.

This is a very diverse and complex government. Its horizon depends on the realization of all the people who are in this government that they must work first and foremost for the national interest and defend their independence from political and oligarchic circles with a vested interest in power, the judiciary, and public procurement, the head of State said.

In no way has the presidential institution interfered in the composition and structure of the cabinet, Radev said. “Let us give time  for each minister to state his priorities and goals and how he will achieve them,” he added.

Asked whether he would give the government 100 days of tolerance, Radev said this was normal practice, but it should be kept in mind that there were so many problems, so he expected quick action.

Where I see that the government is working in the interests of the Bulgarian citizens and Bulgaria, I have always supported it, but where the interests and work of the government are directed against the interests of Bulgaria, I will oppose it, the Head of State further said.

The problems in the army are many. We have regular communications with the Defence Ministry, especially on the main issue - the undermanning of the Bulgarian army, Radev replied to a question whether he has confidence in Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov, who was in the caretaker cabinet until now. After focusing for many years on modernization in its essence of implementing large investment projects, the focus is finally turning to the army's personnel. We need a comprehensive package for recruiting quality people, for their professional development, training and retention, the President said.

I have repeatedly stated my position that this Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) should not elect the Prosecutor General of Bulgaria. 

The Plenum of the SJC postponed the election of the Prosecutor General earlier in the day. The proposal was made by the Prosecutors' College and was presented by Georgi Kuzmanov. He was motivated by the amendments to the Judicial System Act adopted yesterday. 

“I will make a decision within the statutory time,” Radev replied to a question whether he would sign the decree with the changes to the Judicial System Act. Asked how he views the changes in the law, the President said it is a step forward, but it is only part of the necessary reform in the judiciary.