The leader of „There is such a people“ Slavi Trifonov and the co-chairman of „We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria“ Kiril Petkov exchanged sharp remarks on social networks regarding Petkov's presence at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, NOVA reported.
„I read how Kiril Petkov boasted about his international appearances in Munich, where, in his words, he held „important bilateral talks to strengthen our security and economy“ with Mark Rutte, Alexander Schallenberg, Karl Nehammer, Alexander de Cro, Krislianis Karins, Andrei Plenković and José Barroso. Instinctively, I immediately checked whether, out of habit, Kiril had not changed the Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria ad hoc again…but no! To my surprise, there is the provision stating that the country's foreign policy is formed and led by the executive branch, not by self-proclaimed members of parliament“, Trifonov said in a Facebook post.
According to him, Petkov conducted an independent foreign policy while they were in joint government. “I also remember how he was no longer Prime Minister, but he went to a self-organized meeting with the Greek Minister of Energy. Now, however, how is Kiril Petkov speaking on behalf of our country in Munich? He is not Prime Minister. He is not a minister. He is not the chairman of a committee in the National Assembly. He is not even the chairman of a parliamentary group! How was he invited? And was he invited at all? Do the listed people even know that they held bilateral meetings with him or that they, like Kamala Harris, took pictures with him in the corridor, but they have no idea that they had official conversations with this person“, he also commented.
According to Trifonov, the co-chair of the PP-DB does not have the right to speak on behalf of the country. The leader of the ITN indicated what the penalties are according to the law in Bulgaria. “Kiril Petkov does not have a mandate to conduct foreign policy, nor is he authorized to represent the country in international relations. Accordingly, he once again violates the law by presenting himself as a representative of Bulgaria on foreign policy issues, which is contrary to the constitutional principles of separation of powers“, adds Trifonov.
“The problem is that in the provision the form of guilt is “intention“, and in Kiro's case intent is quite difficult to prove, given the lack of a bodily organ exercising the function of “intention“. It is pointless to think about legal consequences, anyway he can always plead insanity and all of Bulgaria will believe him. And yet there must be a penalty for violating the law in an EU member state. Of course, I doubt that anyone will punish Kiril Petkov for his latest violations of the law, but I would like to advise the media that cover his actions to read the law before reporting on Kiril Petkov's visits," he said.
For his part, Kiril Petkov also responded with a post on his Facebook page. “I understand Slavi Trifonov's disappointment at the lack of international recognition and invitations to perform abroad. Here in Munich, his name is not known, despite his popularity in Bulgaria as a showman. I am here at the invitation of the conference organizers“, said the PP-DB co-chairman.
“Today I had a very fruitful meeting with the President of the European Council – Antonio Costa, and attended an impressive discussion with Trump's envoy General Keith Kellogg, as well as separately with German leader Friedrich Merz. Antonio Costa shared that there is an expectation for Bulgaria to soon enter the Eurozone. General Kellogg confirmed that of course, Ukraine and the European Union will be part of the negotiations and they will not be only between the USA and Russia. Friedrich Merz expects Germany to be a strong European leader, who will defend Europe's position before other countries,“ explained Petkov.