President Rumen Radev sharply criticised the ruling coalition, declaring that the so-called “Magnitsky coalition” had been officially formed - in his words, “Peevski rules, and Borisov obeys.” In his statement, the head of state said that the current government is driven not by law and public interest, but by personal gain and dependencies. He described the actions of those in power as an attempt to compromise the presidency. He emphasised that, despite the crisis, he believes in the strength of democracy over the arrogance of power.

Here are his words, quoted without editorial changes:

“Yesterday, the ‘Magnitsky coalition’ was officially formed - Peevski rules, Borisov obeys, as he himself said. But the good news is that the escalation of this crisis is leading to its logical conclusion, because this governing collaboration cannot last long, as it subjects Bulgarians, including members of GERB and Borisov himself, to the whims of a single man. I am convinced that, in the end, democracy is stronger than arrogance.

The state is not a game of toy cars. After failing to block the work of the presidential institution, the rulers now offer us Greek gifts meant to compromise it. They can’t wait to trample their own laws with dysfunctional decisions, giving away cars that will stand somewhere like monuments. They do this not out of state interest or concern for appearances before a second foreign delegation, but out of panic, because more and more people are asking why Borissov and Peevski are riding in the brand-new armoured vehicles meant for the prime minister and the speaker of parliament.

In its governance, the ‘Magnitsky coalition’ is guided not by law or rules, but solely by personal interest - one that does not lead to the well-being of the people. It leads to safes, bundles of cash, offshore accounts, and properties abroad, about which I believe we will one day learn the full truth.”

Rumen Radev