Headline:
Bulgarian Politics in Turmoil: ‘We Continue the Change‘ Co-Chair Petkov Charged; Borisov’s Driver Denied Bail; MP Borislavova to Abdicate Immunity Post-Holidays
Article:
Bulgarian politics witnessed a series of dramatic events as ‘We Continue the Change’ (PPC) co-chairman Kiрил Petkov found himself indicted in the case involving the arrest of GERB leader Boyko Borisov. Meanwhile, MP Lena Borislavova opted to relinquish her immunity post-holidays, aiming to avoid spending the festive season in detention.
Petkov confirmed his indictment, stating, "Today at 5 PM, I received a summons with an indictment. From today onwards, I am an accused person." The prosecution is being led by Angel Kunchev, a former deputy head of the now-defunct Special Prosecutor’s Office, which PPC had disbanded. Petkov’s interrogation is scheduled for January 10.
Earlier today, the driver of PPC leader Assen Vassilev, Lachezar Stavrev, was remanded in custody permanently. Additionally, acting Chief Prosecutor Borislav Sarrafov requested immunity for Lena Borislavova in a case where signatures on documents were allegedly forged, facilitating Petkov’s exit from the ‘Let’s Save the Coral’ NGO. Sarrafov also sought immunity for five other MPs from different parties.
Petkov commented on the developments: "They are dragging in other MPs just to obscure the fact that this is a direct assault on ‘We Continue the Change’. Over the last two days, the Supreme Administrative Court has already removed two of our mayors – Georgi Kouzmov from ‘Oborishte’ and Yasen Rushev from ‘Iskียr’."
The former Prime Minister asserted, "All these actions show that they’re systematically targeting PPC from all angles, but I want to reassure you that we’re steadfast. We will keep fighting until Bulgaria becomes a country of law and tugs like Peshevski can no longer act with impunity. Mr. Peshevski will never be a legitimate politician. The sanitary cordon will work in Bulgaria and across Europe, and no one will want to associate with him."
Lena Borislavova stated that she would abdicate her immunity before Parliament vote but chose to do so post-holidays, noting, "I will not allow Mr. Sarrafov to tarnish these joyful holidays for my family, as he did for Lachezar Stavrev’s."
Parliamentary groups agreed to form budget and legal committees tomorrow without designated leadership. The goal is to expedite changes to the Law on Judicial Authority that would counter Sarrafov’s election as Chief Prosecutor and, likely, approve the 2024 budget extension, given that the 2025 budget will not be passed before the New Year. The duration of the upcoming parliamentary holiday also needs to be determined – whether it lasts from December 22 to January 10, as per regulations, or from December 24 to January 1, as proposed by PPC-DB.
Asen Vassilev criticized the prosecution’s selective targeting of immunity requests, concluding, "Only those who are not involved in government negotiations have had their immunity requested. This is a clear sign that the prosecution is playing a political game, not acting on a legal one."
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