Georgi Kandev, the acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Interior, stated on Friday that he had been subjected to pressure. In a video posted on Facebook, Kandev recounted receiving calls from unknown numbers the previous day. He alleged that these calls informed him that an individual known as “Kartofa” and his associates were giving false testimony against him at the Sofia City Prosecution Office (SCPO).
Kandev questioned the legitimacy of the testimony and sought clarity on who orchestrated the scenario. Prime Minister Andrey Gurov publicly supported Kandev, asserting that the entire caretaker government stood behind him. Gurov characterized the alleged pressure at the SCPO as a “vendetta.” He also criticized Prosecutor Emilia Rusinova, linking the situation to former investigating magistrate Petyo Petrov.
Interior Minister Emil Dechev voiced support for Kandev, claiming that former officers were employing questionable tactics to undermine the Secretary General. Dechev affirmed the determination of the Ministry and the caretaker government to minimize electoral misconduct. Other political figures weighed in on the tensions.
Assen Vassilev criticized the threats as scandalous, advocating for the replacement of the Supreme Judicial Council to ensure a just system. Furthermore, the Yes, Bulgaria party accused prosecutors of being utilized to target officials involved in institutional reform, referencing perceived patterns of state influence within the judiciary.
Topics: #kandev #ministry #secretary
