New drug testing laboratories from August 1st
Minister of Interior Ivan Demerdzhiev announced that starting August 1st, the country will have a sufficient number of laboratories to test blood samples for narcotic substances. Initial forecasts had projected a 12-month period for their construction, but following urgent measures, the deadlines have been significantly shortened.
When I took office, it was reported to me that such laboratories would be available in 12 months, stated Demerdzhiev.
Exposed budget drain schemes
The Minister pointed out that he has terminated a number of suspicious public procurement contracts within the Ministry of Interior, including those for repairs that cost tens of times more than their actual market price. Instead of external contractors, the repairs are being carried out with the department's own resources.
Main priorities:
- Road safety: Checking the prices and quality of guardrails in comparison to German standards.
- Anti-corruption: Summarizing files sent to the Prosecutor's Office regarding abuses amounting to hundreds of millions of leva.
- Cooperation: Joint actions with the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works and the Ministry of Transport to address road casualties.