Presidential candidate Andrey Gyurov has criticised prime minister Rumen Radev over his response to a European Parliament resolution on shipping safety off the Bulgarian coast. In a statement, he said the result was a clash with the European Parliament instead of steps to protect Bulgaria.

Radev sent an open letter yesterday to the political groups in the European Parliament, through its president Roberta Metsola. He protested against point 6 of the resolution, the government said.

The previous development: Radev protests to European Parliament over clause 6 of Black Sea resolution

A total of 432 MEPs backed the resolution. It calls for stronger protection, joint action against dangerous drones and attacks, safeguards for ports and EU support for these steps. Russia has waged a full-scale war on Ukraine since February 2022.

Gyurov put a public question to the prime minister: "Why, when ships off the Bulgarian coast are under threat, do you choose to fight MEPs rather than defend Bulgaria?"

Gyurov believes Radev's response came too late, did not name the aggressor and accused Bulgarian MEPs.

He says the issue directly affects the lives and incomes of Bulgarians. A threat to ships means harder deliveries and costlier transport, and ordinary people pay the bill. Gyurov gave three examples: a nurse on a night shift in Vidin, a parent driving children along broken roads, and a family counting its money until the end of the month.

"People do not ask who won the political argument, but whether the state protects them," Gyurov said. In his view, a political argument in which the state does not protect people has no value.

Bulgaria's strength in Europe is measured by preparation, skill at building alliances and concrete results, not by a sharp tone, the presidential candidate said. A strong voice belongs to a state with clear goals that finds partners and delivers results, he said, not to one that is the angriest, or fragmented and tries to please everyone. Security comes from action, not accusations.

If elected, Gyurov will press institutions to act in time, give clear answers and work with allies before a risk grows into a crisis. This does not mean more power for the president, but more responsibility, he said.