Former special agent of Bulgaria's DANS and controversial businessman, Aleksei Petrov, is confirming his political ambitions and presidential bid. Photo by BGNES
Bulgaria's political party "New Force" issued Monday a declaration they support the presidential bid of former special agent of the State Agency for National Security (DANS) and controversial businessman, Aleksei Petrov.
"Pertov's nomination will decisively expose as false statements that there is no alternative to the ruling Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB) party," the declaration reads, reminding national interests must stand above personal ambitions and plans.
Aleksei Petrov has been investigated on organized crime charges since his arrest in the much advertised "Operation Octopus" in February 2010. He was released on house arrest in October.
As soon as he walked out of jail, Petrov voiced political ambitions, including running for president at the 2011 elections. He saw as his closest ally the conservation Order, Law and Justice (RZS) party of Yane Yanev, under the condition the latter works on establishing a cabinet, based on a team of experts.
Days after the ex DANS agent's release from jail, Yanev visited him at his house and invited him to head the expert RZS council on national security. Petrov confirmed Monday he is accepting the proposal and is supporting Yanev's demands for new Constitution, but rejected the idea of a Presidential Republic.