President comments on the high-profile murder case of The Notary, the upcoming cabinet rotation and the state of the Bulgarian army

The Bulgarian army is facing many problems – shortage of resources, technological backwardness, delayed modernisation, lack of personnel, overly complex procedures for planning defence capabilities. For two years now, a war has been raging near us, which has drastically changed the security environment, President Rumen Radev said on February 20.

In his words, the efforts of the civilian and military leadership of the Ministry of Defence to ensure a minimum of defence capabilities in this complex environment are not enough.

"National security is guaranteed not only by the MoD but by a number of important and responsible institutions. A key element of security is to have a capable, modern, high-tech Bulgarian army equipped with trained personnel. The biggest problem is the outflow of people from the army, the deepening of undermanning, especially worrying among the officer cadre," Rumen Radev added.

He stressed that emergency measures are needed to attract talented young people with qualities for their highly professional training, motivation and retention in the armed forces.

"We need legal changes, resources and serious investments, especially in people - pay, housing, much better working conditions, conditions for professional and career development and, above all, motivation. I expect the implementation of small, low-budget projects," Rumen Radev said.

The President said that it is up to the ruling coalition to decide who the next foreign minister should be.

“These scandals over the distribution of power, are more and more tearing the link between those in power and society. People do not see issues of national interest being resolved. There is time until the consultations, I will act entirely within the Constitution," Rumen Radev said.

Regarding the case of murdered Martin Bozhanov – the Notary, the President commented, "The creation of a criminal network to influence the judiciary cannot happen without political protection." According to Radev, it is important that political dependencies be disclosed.

"Information about ministers from the caretaker governments who have been subjected to pressure has not reached me, neither has information from the services," Rumen Radev noted.

Asked whether he is establishing a party, Radev said that this is a question for those political leaders who are talking about the Third of March party. "Ask them what bothers them so much, but apparently the trampling of all election campaign promises, the violation of elementary principles in the coalition does not produce results in the interest of the society," he argued. In his words, that is why citizens are seeking an alternative.

He added that if he decides to put his trust in a political force, he will announce that himself," he underscored.

The Head of State received the Guard of Honour, which traditionally opens the Annual Conference of the Chief of Defence, Admiral Emil Eftimov.

During the two-day forum, the "Analysis of the state and preparation of the armed forces in 2023" was presented.