Bulgarian Caretaker PM Pledges Fair Election

In the last month, many Bulgarians took to the streets of our cities to clearly and irrefutably show their outrage from social hardships imposed on them, says the new caretaker Prime Minister, Marin Raykov.

Raykov, until now Bulgaria's Ambassador to France, spoke Tuesday, after President, Rosen Plevneliev, revealed he would lead the caretaker Cabinet.

He stated the country is witnessing a demonstration of national dignity; of anger because the State institutions are failing to protect the citizens from the abuse of monopolies.

"In order to secure stability the government resigned, paving the way for the people. In fulfilling its constitutional rights, the President followed the procedure to appoint a Cabinet, and gave me a vote of confidence and the strength to accept this post," said the diplomat.

He noted the tasks of his government were clear as it would not debate constitutional changes, propose Bills and Electoral codes; cannot have its own budged and work on a long-term program for the rule of the country, but rather give directions for the advancement of various sectors.

As task number one, Raykov listed organizing and conducting a democratic snap election aligned with the law and the expectations of people for declaring their will freely and fairly.

"The demonstrators voiced serious reproach. This government is non-partisan. It is here to offer guarantees the vote will be held according to the rules; it would not be manipulated and forged. Bulgarians took to the streets, voiced an opinion on the election, and changed the political agenda of the country. Anyone who dares to behave arrogantly with them will be punished by the vote. Bulgarian voters are millions and must be heard. Let's all fulfill our duties and go to the polls as democracy, morals, and our EU membership require," said he.

He listed as the second task securing stability and continuity in the functioning of the State institutions in order to guarantee safety, order and economic progress.

The diplomat added social measures as part of the plan, saying the caretaker Cabinet would make an effort to both stay within the budget frame and increase income, particularly of the retirees and the most disadvantaged Bulgarians.

Raykov also pledged the government would assure EU and NATO partners of its allegiance to them and work for the realization of all projects with EU financing.

"Bulgaria will stay firmly the democratic course it took 23 years ago. It would not compromise with democratic values and human rights. We would not allow policies that threaten fiscal stability; economic adventures that could bring chaos – haphazard nationalizations or eliminating the currency peg. Bulgaria will decide on its own which energy projects respond to its interests," Raykov pledged.

On February 21, Bulgaria's Parliament approved the resignation of the government of Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, and his ruling party GERB, amidst unprecedented since 1997 protest rallies against the unbearable utility bills, the monopolies and the wide-spread poverty, which later turned into a civil unrest and political demands.