The chairman of the DSB Atanas Atanasov, part of the "Democratic Bulgaria" union in the "Continuing Change – Democratic Bulgaria" coalition, commented in the studio of "Panorama" on the developments surrounding the draft budget and the political situation in the country.
Atanasov sharply criticized the draft state budget:
"This is a budget bag, for the moneylenders. It is obvious to the naked eye that an enormous amount of money is being poured into the power sector, and at the top. No reforms. We proposed, but this is not accepted - at least to close these positions that are not filled."
He pointed out that there is a procedure for withdrawing the budget:
"This appeal that I made is quite reasonable… private business, the middle class, people are amazed by this draft budget."
Atanas Atanasov also commented on the protests:
"People said that night - if they behave in this arrogant way, we will go out again. This budget is brutal. Understand it."
Regarding the injured police officers during the protest, Atanasov said:
"There is always a risk that people on both sides will get hurt. There is a risk of instigating provocateurs."
The DSB chairman made accusations about the risk of the ruling party taking control of the services:
"The usurpation of repressive power by the ruling majority is a risk to the internal security of the country."
Regarding the proposal for a new head of the National Security Agency, he stated:
"This person failed the machine voting… this is direct interference in the political process."
Regarding the allegations that Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev has become a victim of pressure, Atanasov emphasized:
"He is a victim of the joint work of the Anti-Corruption Commission and the State Agency for National Security."
He insisted that the only option was for the budget to be withdrawn and the procedure to start over.