Regarding yesterday's participation in bTV (Face to Face), which caused unsolicited and unexpected public interest and response, former Foreign Minister Solomon Passy wrote on Facebook.
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"I paraphrase the third American president:
“Between a government without a press and a press without a government, I would choose the latter without hesitation.”
Therefore, I apologize if I unintentionally offended the established TV presenter Tsvetanka Rizova. She quite innocently overestimated my modest capacity to answer several questions at once. And in my defense, I will add that the sacred freedom of speech extends simultaneously to the journalist and his interlocutor.
Earlier today, bTV announced its position on the occasion:
"bTV considers the behavior of former Foreign Minister Solomon Passy unacceptable and disrespectful during his participation in the program “Face to Face“ on bTV on Friday, January 23, 2026.
The format of “Face to Face“, as well as the media's other current affairs programs, assumes an active role for the presenters, including their right and obligation to ask clarifying and critical questions.
During the conversation, Solomon Passy demonstrated a rude attitude towards the presenter Tsvetanka Rizova. The job of every journalist is to ask questions that lead to answers that excite the audience and society - this is not only a basic professional principle and standard, but also his duty.
Monologue and repeated obstruction of the journalist from performing his professional duties are not permissible manifestations on television and are not in the interest of the viewer.
We categorically stand behind the professionalism of our journalists and one of our most established figures - Tsvetanka Rizova. We believe that respect and professional behavior on air are a shared responsibility between journalists and their interlocutors. We call on guests to observe good manners in their appearances and to adhere to generally accepted norms of public behavior.