The acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Interior, Georgi Kandev, stated on Friday that he faced pressure regarding his work. In a video posted on Facebook, Kandev recounted receiving calls on Thursday from undisclosed numbers via a mobile application. He claimed these calls alerted him that an individual nicknamed “Kartofa,” along with associates, were providing testimony against him at the Sofia City Prosecution Office (SCPO).
Kandev alleged that this effort was orchestrated by a former Ministry official named “Svetlyo.” He questioned the SCPO regarding the testimony provided by “convicted and criminally charged individuals” and sought clarification on the motives behind the alleged actions. Prime Minister Andrey Gurov publicly stated his support for Kandev, characterizing the alleged pressure at the SCPO, overseen by prosecutor Emilia Rusinova, as a “vendetta.” Gurov also criticized Rusinova and associated figures, referencing past controversies involving Petyo “The Euro” Petrov. The Prime Minister suggested that this conspiracy arose following efforts to curb perceived threats to democracy and election integrity.
Interior Minister Emil Dechev echoed support for Kandev, alleging that “old cops” were employing tactics to undermine the secretary. Dechev asserted that the caretaker government and the ministry were committed to minimizing electoral misconduct. Other political figures weighed in; Asen Vassilev criticized the threats as scandalous, advocating for judicial reform.
Furthermore, the Yes, Bulgaria party accused prosecutors of being utilized to target officials involved in institutional reform, suggesting the use of the prosecution service as part of a broader political model.
Topics: #kandev #ministry #secretary
