The abolition of PACE monitoring after almost 27 years is a huge achievement for Bulgaria. This was stated in the program “Offensive with Lyubo Ognyanov” by the MEP from the Socialists and Democrats group, Tsvetelina Penkova. She pointed out that it is not right to link such an event to a specific political or economic event in our country.
„This is a kind of attestation for our country, but it is right to know that the abolition of monitoring does not mean that, for example, the rules on general monitoring of the rule of law will be abolished, rather we become equal to all other member states, Penkova explained. According to her, such external recognition does not solve the problems with the rule of law in the country, as well as the need for reforms.
„There are key problems, such as the rights of our citizens in the Republic of North Macedonia - a candidate country for membership. On the other hand, there are many legal measures in our country that have been taken to strengthen the law and the power of law. The issue is quite complex – and that is why it is important not to work on paper, but for citizens to see the change in practice”, she explained. Penkova also commented on the case of the arrest of Blagomir Kotsev and the opposition's criticism of the occasion.
„There have already been two attempts to bring the case to the attention of the European Parliament – that is, to use the institution to resolve an internal political problem”, said Penkova. She expressed the opinion that since it is considered wrong to accept and use Bulgarian institutions as a party to such a problem, it is right to accept the same for European institutions.
„In such a situation, the law and procedures in the respective country must be taken into account. For this, it is right to fully implement and protect the interests of the country and its citizens – inviting a European institution into such a dialogue undermines the prestige of our country," Tsvetelina Penkova was categorical.
"I think it is right to return to the main goals that socialist parties in Europe defend – care for working people, for incomes and for a decent life in the country," she also said.