Radev criticizes the 2026 budget, comments on sanctions

This budget is more an attempt at political survival than a strategic plan for the future of the country. This was the categorical opinion of President Rumen Radev, expressed to journalists in Karlovo. According to the head of state, the presented draft Law on the State Budget for 2026 lacks vision, reforms, and incentives for economic growth, and rather foreshadows the suffocation of the economy and entanglement in a debt spiral.

The atmosphere in Karlovo seemed tense as journalists tried to obtain more information about the government's financial plans. President Radev emphasized his concern regarding the working methods used in preparing the budget. He pointed out that the Tripartite Council was put in an awkward situation, receiving a 400-page document for consideration in the evening, and expected to present its opinion by noon the next day. "I expect the dialogue to be conducted at an earlier stage, and not to be presented with a fait accompli, and with the argument that there is no time," said Radev. The head of state added that he will closely monitor the final parameters of the budget after the vote in the plenary hall.

Regarding the topic of the "Magnitsky" sanctions, President Radev did not spare his criticism. He stated that the "Magnitsky" "coalition" is sinking under the weight of the big D". His analysis continued with a comment on the persons involved and their connections. "Mr. Peevski has taken Mr. Borisov as his lawyer and he is getting tangled in his own versions - one to the diplomats, one to the media and one to Peevski," the president believes. According to him, the former prime minister expressed a lobbyist position in support of Peevski, which provoked a denial from the British Embassy. The President concluded with the warning that attempts to deceive the international community will be revealed sooner or later. "You cannot deceive the whole world and this inflated bubble will burst sooner or later,_q_ Radev also said, sending a clear message.