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TO The European Parliament held a debate on the rule of law and human rights, one of the points on which was the situation in Bulgaria.
In his speech, the German Minister for European Affairs. Michael Roth emphasized that the rule of law is not just a basic principle. “No, it applies to all countries, without exception. This principle unites us, this is our democratic culture.”
“In October, we will hold a debate in the EU Council on the Rule of Law and then we will ask that each state be verified separately.”
It will start with five countries in alphabetical order, making Bulgaria fourth among them.
A resolution for our country will be voted for the first time, which is expected to take place on Thursday. According to the adopted regulation, only the deputies previously appointed by their parliamentary groups could speak tonight.
What did Europe say about the situation in our country?
The European Commission will continue to monitor the dynamics of events in Bulgaria. It is important not to reverse the direction of progress. This was stated by the Vice President of the European Commission, Vera Yourova, during the debate.
Vera Yourova stressed that the EC is aware that there are protests in Bulgaria and is closely monitoring the situation in the country..
We support the right to peaceful demonstrations, they are one of the fundamental rights and exist in all countries. The demonstrations show that the citizens of Bulgaria attach great importance to the functioning of the judiciary and the rule of law, “he said.
The BSP demanded the resignation of the government over the report
The European Commission cannot comment on the proposed constitutional reforms,
which were started by Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. “In each member state, constitutional reforms should be the subject of broad debate in society, and all organizations involved in these reforms should participate,” he said.
Vera Yourova said that the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism is vital for the country’s progress. “The latest EC report emphasizes that Bulgaria must continue with judicial reforms and the fight against corruption,” he said.
“We will keep the Mechanism because we see that the Bulgarian people are interested in continuing with this mechanism, because the Bulgarians do not believe in the judiciary. The Bulgarian people sent us a message to follow what is happening in Bulgaria,” Yourova said.
Donald Tusk expressed his support for Boyko Borissov
“> Donald Tusk expressed his support for Boyko Borissov
The European Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, also addressed MPs and said, quoted by BNR, that Bulgaria must implement the latest recommendations of the Venice Commission, more precisely for the accountability of the Attorney General.
The group leader of the European People’s Party, Manfred Weber, said that Bulgaria is a country in transition and has a long way to go.,
to Europe: “I understand that there are young people on the streets who want things to happen fast, but they are doing the same. The Bulgarians have something to do, but they should be proud of what they have achieved. There is an EPP government, but the president is from the left, that is, there is a balance of power. There is freedom of the media and Mr. Borissov protects it. We must respect the outcome of the elections. Borissov heads a pro-European government, as well as the country of the eurozone. Bulgaria is on the right track, changes must take place not through protests, but through elections. “
Ramona Strugariu from “Renew Europe” addressed her colleagues with the words: “I saw names of strong people in some of our political families to support Mr. Borissov and his team. And I would like to ask:
Do you know who you support?
Because you support a carefully woven network of people facing serious accusations of corruption, money laundering and fraud with European funds. “
In a similar spirit was the statement by the MEP of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats Katarina Barley: “Do not repeat your mistakes! We are now leading this debate because for ten years you have been observing what is happening in Hungary without taking action. No do the same with Bulgaria. “
Andrei Kovachev of the European People’s Party objected to the comments, saying that the European Parliament should not be used for political purposes.:
“We cannot agree with this resolution, which is based on speculation, hearsay or rather unproven doubts about one thing or another.”
Today’s events were preceded by a meeting of the follow-up group of the Civil Liberties Commission in late August, discussions in the same commission on the results of the implementation of the cooperation and verification mechanism in Bulgaria in early September, and a meeting on October 1, when the resolution obtained a majority.
The document says that in Bulgaria there is a significant deterioration of the principles of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights.
It is added that there is no accountability framework for the Supreme Council of the Magistracy and the Attorney General. Also concerned are the serious deterioration in media freedom and working conditions of journalists over the past ten years, as well as allegations of use of force by the Bulgarian police against children, women and journalists during protests .
