After 13 years of waiting, Bulgaria officially joins the Schengen area and by land.
"When it was confirmed 13 years ago that the technical requirements were met, from then on the reasons for the delay were clearly political. Some of them were outside Bulgaria, related to internal problems in EU countries, and others, unfortunately, were with us", said the former Minister of the Interior Emmanuel Yordanov in the studio of "The Day ON AIR".
He confirmed that the country has the resources to carry out random checks as part of the control, which will be carried out on a lighter basis.
"We have everything, we just need organization and a desire to get the job done. The French say: I want, so I can", emphasized Yordanov to Bulgaria ON AIR.
Politicians share the credit, but problems remain
The political situation in Bulgaria was the other main topic that Yordanov commented on. He used the phrase "our job" to describe the parties' approach to the merits of Schengen admission.
"We see how all political parties claim that thanks to them Bulgaria is in Schengen. This is like the success of a prominent Bulgarian athlete – who doesn't go to wait for him at the airport", Yordanov said.
The guest described the National Assembly as "full of Andreskovites" who are trying to "leave the publican in the swamp" and engage in "small tricks" instead of constructive dialogue.
"There is no visible desire for compromises, which are extremely necessary, especially at a time when difficult decisions have to be reached,", he added.