The shortage of personnel in the Bulgarian army is 28%. We are not partners in NATO, but a territory. This is what Rumen Petkov said during his pre-election interview on the air of “This Morning”.
He described the campaign for the upcoming 2-in-1 election as lackluster.
„There are three aspects. Analysts suggesting the outcome is clear – not clear, viewers define it. The second aspect is our Euro-Atlantic identity, with which we will go forward – the Bulgarian essence is gone. Bulgaria is a member, not a partner, of the EU and NATO. The third aspect is very important – the campaign lacks mention of fundamental problems in the country, Petkov said. He added that neither the National Assembly nor the government commented on the demographic crisis in the country, as well as the understaffing of the army.
„We do not have our own national security policy. In this parliament and in the previous one, we have no debate on the state of the armed forces. Not having an army is a catastrophe, Petkov believes.
He emphasized that Bulgaria is an “unnecessary partner, but a necessary territory” for NATO and the EU.
In his words, our country is taking steps internationally that are very far from peace in Europe. “Peace is at the center of Bulgaria's interest. We are now seen as places where they can build military bases”, said Petkov.