Defining himself as a man of duty who has served the Bulgarian people all his life, Rumen Radev explains his decision to found a party and enter real politics with the expectations of the people: "I followed the call and the request of the Bulgarian people," he tells the newspaper "Berliner Zeitung". According to him, this is a chance to realize the hopes of the people: “Bulgaria to accelerate its European integration and become a modern, democratic and free European country“.
In this regard, Radev recalls the mass protests against the government, which, in his words, has “served certain oligarchic interests.
Investments in armaments
When asked about the investments of German companies such as Rheinmetall“, Radev stated that rearmament is both an economic opportunity and a necessity dictated by the issue of security: “This is a decisive step forward – not only for the introduction of new technologies and standards in Bulgaria. This is a key step in investing in our strategic cooperation, because Europe needs more security, a stronger defense-industrial base and more defense research,“ he told the German publication.
“Berliner Zeitung“ recalls that in the past Radev was quite skeptical about the issue of military aid to Ukraine and asked him how this fits with Bulgaria's role as an arms producer. In his response, Radev stated that it is important to strengthen Europe's defense pillar. “That is why we need to cooperate, exchange knowledge and know-how and share ideas on how to develop this sector together. This is the added value of our strategic relations with Germany,“ he said.
More diplomacy in relation to Russia
As for Ukraine, Radev would like to see more diplomacy. “So far, we have mainly focused on military and economic support, but we have not used all diplomatic tools. Now I see a change among European leaders towards a more realistic approach to the war in Ukraine“, says the former Bulgarian president.
In this regard, Radev declares himself in favor of resuming dialogue with Russia: “We need to talk to Russia, because without dialogue, the security architecture will be based on rivalry and constant thinking about war. We need to move to the next level and think about peace. (…) Yes, we need stronger defense capabilities, but at the same time we must work for peace with all available diplomatic means“, he points out.
Trump's Peace Council Decision
Radev further reveals what he thinks about Bulgaria's inclusion in US President Donald Trump's “Peace Council“. He finds it strange that this was done by a government in resignation. According to him, it was a hasty decision that was hidden from the parliament and the presidential institution. Asked if he would reverse this decision if elected prime minister, Radev said: “In these dynamic circumstances, many things can change. But the topic must be discussed in the Bulgarian parliament. Our legal community has pointed out a number of obstacles to the ratification of this important document. Bulgaria supports all peace efforts, but they must be in accordance with the Constitution, European law and parliamentary requirements.“
Asked what risks he sees today from the introduction of the euro, after having been critical of this issue in the past, Radev said that a referendum on the issue would have been the most democratic approach. “The euro can bring many benefits, such as investment and opening up markets, but it should have been accompanied by protective measures for the most vulnerable. The government failed to control price pressures and introduce financial buffers to protect the most vulnerable groups,“ says Radev, who in this regard recalls that about 1.5 million people in Bulgaria live on the brink of poverty or in social exclusion.
Admission of Ukraine to the EU?
The German publication is also interested in what Radev thinks about the issue of Ukraine's admission to the EU. “Ukraine needs our support and hope. But there are clear criteria for membership - the Copenhagen criteria. The countries of the Western Balkans have been waiting for decades and are going through difficult reforms. If we rush with Ukraine, we risk undermining the principles of the EU. Whoever meets the criteria should be admitted first,“ says Radev.
Including North Macedonia, is the next question to him. Radev is adamant that North Macedonia must change its constitution and include Bulgarians, along with six other nations, referring to the European consensus reached in July 2022. “Only then can negotiations begin. We want North Macedonia to join the EU as soon as possible. We do not want borders or checkpoints. We want people on both sides of the border to be able to live, work and communicate freely“, Rumen Radev also stated in his interview with “Berliner Zeitung“.