Outrage and concern in the corridors of the National Assembly: The parliamentary group of "We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria" (WCC-DB) submitted two urgent questions to Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, focused on potential risks to national security arising from, as it was defined, Russian influence in Bulgaria. The in-depth investigation by MPs Atanas Atanasov and Lyuben Ivanov reveals alarming facts that require immediate reaction.
MPs Atanas Atanasov and Lyuben Ivanov, who came out before the media, emphasized the seriousness of the situation. Atanasov, who is also the chairman of DSB, recalled the party's consistent policy to counter Russian influence in the country. He pointed out that the Russian state, through its embassy, has for years exercised control over a property with an area of 11 decares near the Iskar reservoir, without possessing legal grounds for this.
"Our organization in Sofia carried out a thorough check and did not find a single document that would legalize this possession", said Atanasov. He emphasized that this property is located in the water supply zone of the "Iskar" reservoir, which poses a real risk to national security. Atanasov added that after Russia declared Bulgaria an unfriendly state, this risk has become even more tangible and direct.
In response to these concerns, the parliamentary group has requested information from the competent institutions. Specifically, the question is directed at the actions taken by the Council of Ministers, through the regional governor, to remove the possession from the Russian embassy, in accordance with the Law on State Property.
An even greater emphasis is drawn to the use of a petition with nearly 7,000 signatures from citizens. Collected by activists, the petition will be handed to the Prime Minister, demonstrating public concern on the issue, added Atanasov.
MP Lyuben Ivanov provided additional information that reinforces the concerns. According to him, the parliamentary group has received information about attempts by the Russian embassy to sell a number of properties owned by Bulgarian citizens to the Russian state or to organizations related to it.
"Tenders have been announced, which are being held secretly, and payment is planned to be made through an account in a bank sanctioned by the EU. This poses a risk to Bulgaria both from the point of view of our authority before the European partners and from possible financial sanctions", said Ivanov. His words reflect the growing concern about possible negative consequences for the country.
In light of these circumstances, the parliamentary group has also sent a question to the Minister of Justice regarding the measures being taken to prevent such deals. The tension in the National Assembly is palpable, and attention is focused on the answers that will be given to the questions posed.