Bulgaria: President Radev Comments on Anti-Corruption Bills

Approached for comment on the anti-corruption bill drafted by the opposition Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), Bulgarian President Roumen Radev said that this is an extremely important subject for Bulgaria but prevention is not the only way to combat corruption.

“Prevention is certainly important, but investigation, prosecution and punishment are equally important,” the head of State noted. He expects a comprehensive approach including all necessary measures. “I agree with the proposal that the President should appoint the chairperson [of the new Anti-corruption Agency]. I have not said what exactly the authority in this respect should be. That is a matter of future debate, but sound institutional logic really dictates that the President should be involved in the appointment,” Radev pointed out.

“Suppose that the parliamentary majority elects the head of the anti-corruption authority: will that body be in a position to investigate a government rendered up by that same parliamentary majority?” the President said.

Asked about his opinion of the two anti-corruption bills, proposed by the BSP and by the ruling GERB, the head of State commented that one is focused on prevention, and the other on investigation and prosecution. “To me, a single law should provide for comprehensive measures, as well as for the relevant entities to implement them.

“Anti-corruption is currently in the focus, and this will also be the subject of the next Consultative Council on National Security scheduled for October 9,” Radev said.

4 September 2017

BTA

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