Against the backdrop of the deepening domestic political instability and the practically launched election campaign, MEP from "Renew Europe" and representative of PP-DB Nikola Minchev commented in the studio of "The Day Begins" on BNT on key topics from the political agenda in our country – from the tension in the coalition to the role of President Rumen Radev and the state of the rule of law.
In his words, the issues surrounding the arrangement of the lists and the veto imposed on certain figures should not turn into a public conflict.
"The arrangement of the lists is always a complex moment for any coalition format. These are conversations that should be held within the coalition, at the level of party leadership, and not in the public sphere," Minchev emphasized.
According to him, internal disputes are not the most serious challenge facing the PP-DB on the eve of the elections.
"Places on the lists are not the biggest problem for either the coalition or the state. The main challenge is the emergence of a new political player and the battle for the protest vote," said the MEP.
Minchev identified the possible political positioning of President Rumen Radev as a key factor for the domestic political dynamics:
"Rumen Radev's exit from the presidency and his entry into parliamentary politics is a serious challenge. PP-DB must succeed in capitalizing on the protest energy that accumulated at the end of last year," he pointed out.
Regarding relations with partners from "Democratic Bulgaria" Minchev expressed confidence that there were no significant differences:
"With DB we share a common vision - for a democratically functioning state, with stable institutions, an independent judicial system and a clear European positioning. On this basis, I do not expect a different attitude towards Rumen Radev."
Minchev was categorical that he does not see any possibility of future cooperation with a project related to Radev:
"Personally, I cannot imagine working together with a future presidential project, given what we have seen from Rumen Radev over the last nine years."
The MEP also criticized some of his public positions regarding Europe:
"When it is said that Europe should take an example from China, Russia or the USA, this undermines efforts to establish the EU as an independent and strong geopolitical player."
On the topic of the political crisis in our country, he expressed serious concerns about its effect on trust in institutions and European partners:
"Political instability does not is a problem not only for the government, but for Bulgaria's overall ability to fulfill its commitments - including in the field of security and defense."
He was particularly critical of the decision to close the Anti-Corruption Commission:
"The commitment under the Recovery Plan was to reform and guarantee the independence of the anti-corruption body, not to close it. This will be considered very carefully by the European Commission," the MEP warned.
In his words, this decision sends a worrying signal:
"The current majority shows that it cannot or does not want to ensure an independent anti-corruption body and prefers to close it. This is a sweep, not a reform."
Minchev commented on the possible appointment of Andrey Gyurov as acting prime minister as follows:
"Of all the possible candidates, he is the person I know best and I believe he possesses the necessary qualities. For me, he is the best choice for Bulgaria."
He expressed reservations about other possible nominations, which he believes are related to the current ruling majority and certain economic circles.