President Radev: A deputy chair of a political party should not be a member of a caretaker cabinet

Proposals have been made to replace two ministers, just a week after the oath of office of the caretaker cabinet, which is yet another proof of the failure of the constitutional reform. And in their quest to impose a complete monopoly on power, the parties that voted for the constitutional amendments have in fact rendered the institution of the caretaker cabinet meaningless and vulnerable to partisan interference, President Rumen Radev told journalists on April 17.

"You can see how orders are given from party meetings, how the caretaker Prime Minister is being threatened. And I very much hope Mr Glavchev is aware of the damage to the cabinet and the overall credibility of the electoral process when, he quick as lightning, carries out the wishes of his party boss. When I was in charge of caretaker governments (before the amendments to the Constitution), the parties could not even think of such interference," the President explained.

He said regarding the proposed replacement of the foreign minister, it was clear where the order was coming from:

"But who also ordered the replacement of the Agriculture Minister, whom Mr Glavchev personally presented to remain in the caretaker cabinet in the spirit of continuity and with proven managerial experience in the field. Isn't it strange to have a Prime Minister change his mind every day and is it normal to change ministers every day at all? That is how we confuse the public, business and partners.

The President has reiterated that he will not meddle in the line-up of the caretaker cabinet, but he will insist that the Prime Minister keeps his promise that he will propose a cabinet equally distant from all political parties.

"On Friday I will invite caretaker Prime Minister Glavchev to discuss his proposed cabinet changes, which cannot include deputy chairs of political parties," the head of state explained.

There are enough diplomats in the country with a Euro-Atlantic orientation who can take over the post of foreign minister to defend Bulgaria's foreign policy course, Rumen Radev said.

The President reiterated his commitment not to allow a constitutional and governance crisis, despite, in his words, the inappropriate changes in the Constitution.

The President was speaking to the press as he arrived in St. Alexander Nevsky Square in Sofia to welcome the visiting Italian President Sergio Mattarella. The two will pay their respects at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier.

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