President Radev emphasizes the need for caution regarding Bulgaria‘s involvement
in escalating conflicts.
Radev: No Dialogue with Government on Middle East Crisis
The President advises caution regarding Bulgaria’s entanglement in escalating conflicts.
President Rumen Radev has stated that there is no dialogue between the presidential institution and the government
concerning the Middle East crisis. He made these remarks during an event marking the 35th anniversary of SOS Children’s
Villages Bulgaria.
The lack of communication stems from the absence of a representative from the President’s office at a meeting
convened by the Prime Minister. This meeting involved defense officials, intelligence services, and ministers.
Recent escalations between Israel and Iran, and the involvement of the U.S., have prompted these
concerns.
“No, there is no dialogue. No representative of the presidential institution was invited,” President Radev stated.
He further added, “Dialogue is only being conducted on my part.” He clarified that the recent meeting with representatives
of special services and relevant ministries was initiated by him.
Due to the initial hours of the conflict’s outbreak, he does not believe it is necessary to convene the National Security
Advisory Council (NSAC) at this time. “It can be convened again if necessary. Measures have been outlined. The risks are
not only military, but also an accompanying migration crisis, an economic crisis, and possibilities for an asymmetric response
from any of the warring parties, which could extend beyond the conflict region,” Radev commented.
He noted that these factors, threatening our security, were considered at the previous meeting in October, and measures were
outlined.
He pointed out that we must be very careful to avoid Bulgaria being drawn into the escalating
conflicts.
“They resort to missiles, to bombs, and in economic terms – a sharp interruption of supplies, prices rising beyond any economic
logic. We must be very careful not to allow Bulgaria to be drawn into the conflict,” Radev said.
He added that “we must monitor the decisions of the Bulgarian government and what commitments it makes on our behalf, because
the cost could be very high,” the President warned.
Regarding the entry into the Eurozone during an oil crisis, he noted that it should be carefully considered.
“The referendum is a way to stabilize the state, to achieve a consensus, which we especially need during times of crisis,”
the President added.
He stated that stability has become a luxury, and the lack of security and unpredictability are becoming main characteristics
in international relations.
The President supported NATO’s decision for each member to allocate up to 5% of GDP for defense, arguing that security is
now a priority. However, he emphasized that it is very important to know exactly what the funds will be allocated to and to
consider how to overcome the great fragmentation in the European defense industry. “I expect transparency from the government
in this direction and in the commitments it makes,” Radev added.
On the topic of the new Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and the written proposal provided to him by Prime Minister
Rosen Zhelyazkov, the President stated that he does not want to speculate on individual names.
