Ivan Kostov: With his proposal for a referendum, the President strikes the authority of the institutions

With the proposal for a referendum to introduce the euro, the president exploited the populist thesis that he defends the people’s interests against the decisions of the elite. But now it turns out that the president is on the side of the people, but stands against parliament and the government. This is a blow to institutional authorities and his and these two institutions, former Prime Minister Ivan Kostov told you today.

Radev’s proposal did not meet much political support, and his main criticism is that his actions are too late and such a referendum will be unconstitutional. From the initial requests of the parties, it can be realized that at least twice as many MPs will vote against the referendum.

Ivan Kostov added that he could not speculate by saying why Radev was offering it right now. « The request for a referendum is at the Revival, in which sense it turns out that Russia is against Bulgaria’s entry into the euro area, and it seems that the president is defending foreign interests in the country, » Kostov added.

He noted that the president had changed his position dramatically because until recently he had explained to the Revival that the request for a referendum was unconstitutional because it was imposed by an international treaty.

For Kostov, Rumen Radev’s decision may be an attempt by the president to position himself politically as a flagship of small parties such as a sword, « greatness » and others. Kostov, however, warned him not to confuse the institution’s rating with his personal.

The former prime minister said that some of the unleashed entry into the euro area has an emotional attachment to the Bulgarian lev, as he has. He added, however, that there are geopolitical processes and the displacement of the layers imposed by Bulgaria is part of the single currency system.

According to him, the president’s initiative is shifting many important topics from the agenda of society, such as the Botash Treaty. « If I am very vigilant, I would say that it raises the topic to make it possible that his government has concluded the unprofitable contract with Botash, » Kostov added.

He called on Parliament to respond quickly and reject the president’s request. Kostov said that the business wants Bulgaria to enter the euro area.

He also answered a question about the visit of representatives of the Renaissance party to Russia last week. « The question of the close ties of the Bulgarian party with the Aggressor Party in Russia is very disturbing. In fact, you give a hand to the one who declared you an enemy. I do not understand it. This is an illogical unless you are his fifth column, » Ivan Kostov said.