Presidential candidate Andrey Gyurov has criticised Bulgaria’s response to attacks on commercial ships in the Black Sea, saying he did not see clear enough answers on how the state protects people, ports and shipping.
He said the Black Sea is not a distant subject from international news. Supplies for the Bulgarian economy pass through it, Bulgarian enterprises work there, and trade and jobs depend on security in the area.
Gyurov said that when such a danger arises, the president should bring the responsible institutions together and press for concrete decisions. He said the Consultative Council for National Security should not be a formality.
As caretaker prime minister, he took part in securing support from Greece for Bulgaria’s air defence. He said cooperation with partners can produce a practical result.
He said he would insist on a clear plan to protect shipping, coordination with neighbouring states and guarantees for important supplies to the economy, and that he would work closely with all institutions until he saw that plan carried out.
Asked about hesitations in relations with Russia and how to keep Bulgaria from being drawn into greater tension, Gyurov said the Bulgarian interest should lead every decision. He said he does not want Bulgaria drawn into a war, and that he wants strong enough defence, sound diplomacy and reliable partnerships to reduce the dangers.
He said Bulgaria’s membership of NATO and the European Union provides opportunities that should be used wisely. The country should not wait until problems reach its borders before looking for solutions, and diplomacy should be combined with a clear position and preparation.
On rising prices, Gyurov said war, energy prices and problems in international trade affect every European country, so not everything depends on the government. He said the authorities should prepare in advance, know how to secure needed raw materials when supplies are disrupted, have effective measures when prices rise without control, and have a plan when jobs are at risk.