Acting Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov told Euronews that Bulgaria's decision to join US President Donald Trump's Peace Council was "a decision of an oligarch” and does not reflect the political consensus in the country.
"It would be an exaggeration to say that this is Bulgaria's position. This was not a matter of international politics - it was a personal decision of an oligarch who is sanctioned under the "Magnitsky" law, Gyurov told the European media. "The signing of the Peace Council's charter is related to this person's desire to be removed from the sanctions list. I don't think it will work. The surprising thing is the influence this person has in some parties,” the caretaker prime minister also said.
Euronews writes that the oligarch in question, although Gyurov does not name him, is most likely Delyan Peevski, who is sanctioned by the US and the UK for corruption.
Bulgaria joined Donald Trump's initiative by former Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov after his government resigned following the huge protests in the country at the end of 2025. Recently, the parliament asked the caretaker cabinet to ratify Bulgaria's membership in the Peace Council. Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov said that he would refer the matter to the Constitutional Court.
Gyurov commented to Euronews that initially the Peace Council was considered an organization that should work to secure a peace agreement in the Gaza Strip, and then Bulgaria wanted to participate in this initiative. After Donald Trump expanded the functions of the Peace Council, participation in it should have been reconsidered, says the caretaker prime minister.
Andrei Gyurov emphasizes to the European media that it is important for Bulgaria to continue to maintain good relations with the United States. "However, it is also important for Europe to be strong and stable”, Gyurov commented to Euronews.