The deputies have revoked the president's powers to appoint the heads of the National Security Agency, bTV reports. The change is at the initiative of the ruling majority and was voted on in the second reading in the parliament.
The members of the parliament are about to vote on the changes in the regulations for the other special units - DAR and DATO. These changes end the possibility for the president to appoint their leaders by decree and give this right to the National Assembly, which elects them by a simple majority.
The ruling majority believes that there is a blockage in the services, because the units have been working without leaders for a long time. The opposition expressed serious concerns that this could politically influence these structures.
According to GERB, our services must be stable and effective in the difficult conditions in which the world finds itself. “For months, the services have been beheaded - or part of them, or some of them, depending on the time in which Radev is not the sole ruler. The world is confidently heading towards war. At this time, we must have very strong services, very well organized“, said the party's leader Boyko Borisov.
Part of the opposition announced that it would abstain from this vote. Others - that they are categorically against it. “There is no way we can support the attempt of the government and the majority to appoint Peevski's man - Denyo Denev as head of the National Security Agency. Now Peevski is amending the law and appointing his man“, said Bozhidar Bozhanov from PP-DB.
“We will categorically not support this proposal, because they are making the presidential institution meaningless. Let's just close this institution and end this game“, said the leader of “Vazrazhdane“Kostadin Kostadinov.“Velicie“ also declared its opposition. “An attempt is being made to control the services by Peevski and Borisov. Personally, I constantly have problems with these services“, commented the party leader Ivelin Mihaylov.
“When there is no dialogue from the institutions, when there is a blockage of national security, the Bulgarian parliament must intervene“, pointed out Dragomir Stoynev from the BSP.
“DPS-New Beginning“ accused the president of “currently forming a party”. “Radev has gone too far, this is not a game, this is a state. Currently, statutes are being written in the Presidency and a party is being formed. He has no right to use the building and everything else to form a party. Rumene, get out!“, said Delyan Peevski.
Minister of Justice Georgi Georgiev announced the legal point of view on the topic: “Where there is a right, for example, the right to coordinate – very often there is an abuse of the right to coordinate with another institution.
The other parties did not comment.
Meanwhile, the internal committee of the National Assembly adopted amendments to the NSO Law on second reading. With the changes, the services will no longer drive the people and the administration of the president.