Georgi Kandev, the acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Interior, stated on Friday that he faced pressure regarding his professional standing. In a video statement, Kandev detailed receiving multiple calls on Thursday, which he claimed urged him to “go home.” He alleged that at that time, he was informed via hidden numbers that an individual nicknamed “Kartofa” and his associates were providing false testimony against him at the Sofia City Prosecution Office (SCPO). Kandev further claimed that this operation was organized by a former Ministry official named “Svetlyo.” The Secretary General questioned the SCPO regarding the credibility of the testimony and the motives behind the current allegations.
Prime Minister Andrey Gurov publicly supported Kandev, describing the alleged pressure as a “vendetta” occurring at the SCPO. Gurov also criticized the prosecutor overseeing the proceedings, naming her and associating her with other political figures. Interior Minister Emil Dechev echoed the support, asserting that “old cops” were employing “dirty tricks” to undermine the Secretary General.
Dechev emphasized the commitment of the caretaker government and the Ministry to minimizing electoral malpractice. Other political figures weighed in on the situation. Assen Vassilev characterized the threats against Kandev as “scandalous,” suggesting deep systemic changes were necessary for Bulgaria.
Meanwhile, the Yes, Bulgaria party accused prosecutors of being utilized to target officials involved in institutional reform, suggesting the process mirrored patterns associated with past political figures. The allegations collectively point to a significant internal dispute regarding oversight and governance within the Bulgarian state apparatus.
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