The conflict in the Middle East carries potential risks to Bulgaria's national security, but according to the leader of the VMRO Krasimir Karakachanov, the bigger problem for our country is the way it has been governed in recent years.
"The biggest risk to Bulgaria's national security are the so-called politicians who have ruled Bulgaria in the last 5 years. Extremely incompetent, unprepared, with very low criteria for national interests and their protection. People who carry out foreign orders or rather carry out the policies of foreign countries that are in contradiction with Bulgarian national interests. Every conflict around us creates problems for national security. Both the war in Ukraine and the war in the Middle East, which has not stopped since 2011, are risks to national security. In the specific case of Iran, of course, there are risks to national security, because we see that Iran is retaliating," he told "Denyat ON AIR."
Double standards in international politics
According to him, every war near Europe, including the conflict in Ukraine and the escalation around Iran, increases security risks.
Karakachanov noted that Iran is showing the ability not only to defend itself, but also to strike, and the international reaction is often marked by double standards.
"I do not find it normal to launch missiles to kill political leaders and their families, because that is exactly what is happening. This contradicts all norms of international law. And I say this not as a former Minister of Defense, not as a politician - I say it as a doctor of international law. This is an absolutely blatant violation. If Putin had done this in Ukraine - to shoot at the Ukrainian parliament, to kill Zelensky or his family, or some minister with his family, you can imagine what a howl there would be in the whole world. But here we are silent. These double standards are a problem in the world", pointed out the guest of Bulgaria ON AIR.
Criticism of the deployment of military aircraft in Sofia
He also criticized the decision to deploy military aircraft at a civilian airport in Bulgaria.
"Iran managed to inflict serious strikes not only on the territory of Israel, but also on American bases located in other countries such as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Iranian missiles can also reach Sofia airport. From this point of view, there is a danger. I personally do not think that Sofia will be the target of an attack, or any other NATO country, but there is a theoretical danger," Karakachanov said.
"This consent that the previous government gave, and the caretaker government sanctioned and continued, namely to station military aircraft and tankers at a Bulgarian civilian airport, is a mistake. I would even call it a crime in relation to the potential dangers to Bulgaria's national security," the former military minister emphasized.
Bulgaria's weak air defense
According to him, such a step could create potential risks for the country, especially given that Bulgaria does not have a strong air defense of its own.
"Bulgaria currently does not have the potential with its own air defense to solve this problem. And deciding that someone else will protect your territory and the lives of your citizens means that you are extremely irresponsible. And that's why I said that the biggest problem of Bulgarian national security is the politicians in Bulgaria, who make decisions dictated from outside, without taking into account either public opinion or, above all, the national interest of Bulgaria," Karakachanov pointed out.
Fears of a new refugee wave
The leader of VMRO also warned of another possible consequence of the expansion of the conflict - a new refugee wave to Europe.
He pointed out that in the event of Iran's destabilization, millions of refugees from the region could head to Turkey and from there to European countries.
According to him, the war would hardly end quickly, since Iran has a stable state structure and a society prepared for a long conflict.
VMRO in Radev's formation for the elections?
At the end of the conversation, Karakachanov stated that the VMRO leadership would not participate in the candidacy lists, although individual members of the party may be part of a political initiative supporting President Rumen Radev.
"I have known President Radev since the time he was commander of the Air Force. Unlike those who have ruled so far, Radev as a general, as a soldier, has a sense of honor and dignity. Without having honor and dignity, you cannot defend national interests," Karakachanov also said.
He explained his support with the need to change the political model and stronger protection of national interests.