The acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Interior, Georgi Kandev, stated that he has faced pressure regarding his professional duties. In a public video, Kandev detailed receiving communications urging him to leave his post. He claimed that on Thursday, he received multiple calls from unknown numbers, informing him that an individual identified as “Kartofa” and associates were providing false testimony against him at the Sofia City Prosecution Office (SCPO).
Kandev alleged that this effort was orchestrated by a former official within the ministry, identified by name. Kandev questioned the legitimacy of the testimony presented at the SCPO and sought to identify the source of the pressure campaign. Prime Minister Andrey Gurov issued strong support for the acting Secretary General, describing the alleged incident as a “vendetta” occurring at the SCPO.
Gurov criticized the prosecutor overseeing the case, linking the pressure to broader figures within the judicial system. Interior Minister Emil Dechev echoed this sentiment, asserting that “old cops” were employing tactics intended to undermine Kandev. Dechev affirmed his confidence in the Secretary General’s integrity, noting the government’s commitment to minimizing electoral malpractice.
Opposition figures also commented on the situation. Assen Vassilev criticized the threats as scandalous, calling for systemic judicial reform. Meanwhile, the Yes, Bulgaria party accused prosecutors of being utilized to target officials involved in institutional reform, suggesting the process mirrored past political alignments.
Topics: #kandev #ministry #secretary
