GERB leader Boyko Borisov categorically defended Delyan Peevski, rejecting the accusations that the MP has been sanctioned for corruption. In response to a media question whether it is a problem that the GERB government is supported by a sanctioned politician, Borisov stated that the leader of "DPS - New Beginning" has not actually been sanctioned for this.
"The time will come for him and for Goranov, the truth will come out. I defend justice, if there is any. If something was done based on denunciations - it must be dropped," Borisov categorically stated.
Despite repeated questions, the GERB leader did not specify when he thinks the sanctions against Peevski will be lifted. Asked whether his party would enter into an open coalition with Peevski if the "Magnitsky" sanctions were not a problem, he replied laconically: "This does not have to happen."
At the same time, Borisov frankly admitted that the country's government is currently dependent on "New Beginnings". His words made it clear that the ruling party does not intend to seek support from other political groups. On Saturday, the leader commented that the withdrawal of "Democracy, Rights and Freedoms" - MRF from the ruling majority is not a good signal.
"This is probably not the best design for a government," Borisov himself admitted, but quickly added that he saw no problem with the government being supported by "DPS - New Beginning", which, according to him, "work well for the people".
At the same time, the GERB leader welcomed the position of "Continuing Change - Democratic Bulgaria" regarding the eurozone as a strategic goal and stated that he relies on their support in this direction.
"The goals are so important - the eurozone, the Recovery and Resilience Plan, the fight against smuggling, that we must maintain them. I hope that we will compensate through other parties so that we can move forward with the plans," Borisov added.
In his statement, he unambiguously hinted at differences between his own party and the others: "Each party thinks what is best for it. The difference between them and us is that we also think about the state."
It is obvious that the Bulgarian government continues to rely on the support of a political force whose leader is under international sanctions, despite Borisov's attempts to downplay this fact. Political stability remains fragile, and the dependence on Peevski's party is increasingly obvious.