President Radev: The Decision for New Fighters, Modernisation of the Army Is in the Hands of the Prime Minister

“The decision for buying new fighters and the comprehensive modernization of the army is in the hands of the Prime Minister. As I have already said, the responsibility is also his”, President Rumen Radev told journalists. Taking a question whether he will discuss the key issues related to the modernization of the army with the PM, Radev said he had hoped the Prime Minister to curb his supporters in Parliament, but that had not happened. “To judge by all actions of GERB, I can see that either the Prime Minister is losing control or else he is encouraging his party in its actions, so that I no longer see any sense in such a meeting”, the Head of State said. Asked whether there is some tension between GERB and the President, Radev answered that such a “battle” is under way, although the party does not dare to declare it, that is if they want a conflict – they will get it. What concerns him more is not such a conflict, but all processes under way in the country, and that against the backdrop of the forthcoming Presidency of the EU. Radev added that he is also concerned with the manner in which this EU Presidency is regarded, with what Bulgaria will gain from it, rather than whether it will be successful or not, for the European practice is to “get a pat on the back”. Radev thinks the incumbents regard this Presidency as some omerta which will guarantee peace at home and legitimacy abroad.