President Radev: Protesters want resignation of the whole government and the Chief Prosecutor

Bulgaria’s President Rumen Radev went out amongst the protesters in front of the Presidency building in the evening on July 23 and addressed them.

"I will not use the civic rostrum because it is yours. But today, on this fateful day, I am obliged to address you. On the 15th day, the squares are full of hope and intransigence. Thousands of people are protesting in the streets of all major cities across the country and in Europe. The posters tell you many truths about which the government remains deaf, " Radev told the protesters.

According to him, the common desire for freedom, law and justice has united all generations.

He thanked the people for not succumbing to provocations and threats.

"The protest did not succumb to provocations, you were not afraid of threats. Bulgarians have never been more determined to win back the country from the mafia, for which I thank you. The square gave birth to a brotherhood of honourable people who will not be enslaved to lies and threats."

"The protest demands the resignation of the whole government and the Chief Prosecutor. However, those in power are deaf again and do not hear the voice of the people. They are talking about change to the cabinet, hoping that summer vacations and fatigue will discourage the people," Radev said.

According to him, the resignation of the whole government and the Chief Prosecutor is the first step towards fair elections, towards "the beginning of the dismantling of the vicious governance model".

We need a new Parliament because the current majority is deaf. We need changes to guarantee Bulgaria's European development," the head of state said, wishing the people success and intransigence.

"Mutri (mafia) out, long live Bulgaria," the President said at the end.