by EuroNews with ebu
It’s published
Former Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov resigned as co-chair of the MP and party on Wednesday, “We’re continuing to change.”
However, Petkov says he will stay at the party.
“I personally take political responsibility and have resigned as co-chair of “We Continue Change.” I have also resigned as a lawmaker because “we will continue to change,” Petkov said at a press conference.
Petkov’s reaction came after the recording was sent to the media on Wednesday, featuring conversations between Sofia’s deputy mayor, Nikola Barbutov and George Todorov’s mayor of Rulin district.
“When we founded the party, we talked about zero resistance to corruption. We’ve always supported that principle. No one on the WCC Executive Council knew about this. Being clean from corruption doesn’t mean you’re a good leader.
“It’s a mistake to allow district mayors to have such conversations with themselves. Anti-corruption is at the heart of our party. That’s our belief. This is a major failure by both district mayors.
Three people have been arrested in the incident, including Sofia’s deputy mayor and two people who are managers of the business searched yesterday, according to unofficial information.
Both companies reportedly received public contracts awarded by district managers of Sofia Municipality.
Investigators are currently considering evidence to determine what charges will result and to any detained individual. The case is still in its pretrial stage and includes allegations of corruption. The capital’s district mayor is allegedly pressured by members of the senior party to equip public bids, allowing the party to collect money through donations.
According to a Facebook post by the city chief, Vasil Tertziev, Nikola Valbutov’s vice-mayor of Sofia, has been let go of his position.
Petkov announced that the party’s general meeting will be held by the end of the year, and until then Assen Vasirev will remain leader.
Petkov firmly stated that there was no division with democratic Bulgaria.
