During an official visit to Varna, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov made categorical statements regarding the legal proceedings against Mayor Blagomir Kotsev and plans for national defense development. In the context of the ongoing legal process, the head of state emphasized two fundamental principles of democratic society.
Zhelyazkov highlighted that in a rule of law state, there are two key principles: the presumption of innocence and the independence of the judicial system. His statement came immediately after the Sofia Appellate Court's confirmation of the detention of Mayor Kotsev and two municipal council members from the political formation "We Continue the Change".
The court session, which lasted more than ten hours and concluded after midnight, was marked by a dramatic turn - withdrawn testimony from a former deputy mayor of Varna. Despite this, the court confirmed the initial decision to detain Blagomir Kotsev, Yordan Kateliev, and Nikolay Stefanov.
Parallel to the legal commentary, the prime minister focused his attention on another essential national priority - the modernization of the Bulgarian army. During the naval exercise "Breeze 2025", Zhelyazkov announced upcoming intensive actions to accelerate defense potential.
Specifically, he revealed plans for the next week, which include a working meeting with the Minister of Defense, professional leadership, and the Ministry of Finance. The main goal is a detailed discussion of the National Plan and the "Safe" mechanism for armed forces modernization.
The presence of the prime minister and two ministers at the naval exercise underscored the strategic importance of the event. Zhelyazkov unequivocally stated that the Bulgarian army is entering a period of intensive renewal and technological enrichment.
The statements of the head of state outlined a complex picture of current challenges - from judicial proceedings to national security. They demonstrated the executive power's readiness to act simultaneously principally and strategically in various spheres of public life.