“I am very concerned by the recent events in Bulgaria and the pressure on our member party @promenibg. I have sent a letter to European Commissioner Michael McGrath requesting an urgent meeting on the subject“, said Svenja Hahn, President of ALDE, on social media.
The published letter to the European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath expresses concern about:
political pressure on members of the party “Continuing Change“ – member of ALDE;
increasing interference in the judiciary;
use of prosecutorial power against opposition figures;
legislative efforts that, according to Hahn, undermine democratic checks and balances.
A specific example of pressure is the arrest of Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev and municipal councilors from “We continue the change“ Nikolay Stefanov and Yordan Kateliyev.
“These developments not only threaten the democratic institutions in Bulgaria, but also raise serious questions about the respect for the fundamental values of the EU“, the letter says.
Svenija Hahn calls on the European Commission to remain engaged and vigilant, proposing a meeting with the Commissioner's team to present the concerns and discuss possible actions by the EU.
“We are convinced that the European Commission must remain engaged and vigilant...“, she also writes.
The letter is dated 14 July 2025 and is signed by Svenija Hahn, MEP and President of the ALDE party.