Radev on the GPS Incident: "Fabricated Scandal" and a Call for Water

The GPS Scandal and the Water Crisis: Comments by President Rumen Radev

The controversial incident involving GPS signal jamming on the plane of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, which occurred during her one-day visit to our country on Sunday, was described as "a fabricated scandal" by President Rumen Radev. The head of state made this comment to journalists during his visit to the city of Pleven.

The President emphasized that there was a lack of any official information about signal jamming, received either from the hundreds of planes that fly daily over Bulgaria or from the country's Air Force. He noted that the Bulgarian Air Force had been conducting parallel helicopter flights from the "Krumovo" airbase. Rumen Radev explained that in modern aviation, navigation systems have multiple backups to ensure flight safety even if one of the components is jammed.

"In aviation, navigation systems are multiply redundant, so if one device experiences some jamming, you continue with other devices", he stated.

Focus on the Water Crisis

In addition to the incident with the European plane, President Radev's visit to Pleven was dedicated to the serious problems with water supply in the city and the surrounding area. He held a working meeting with the Mayor of Pleven, Valentin Hristov, and the Regional Governor, Nikolay Abrachev. During the meeting and the subsequent statements, the President expressed his solidarity with the residents facing the problem of water scarcity.

"I want to express my solidarity with the citizens of Pleven and the region, as well as with the thousands of Bulgarians suffering from water scarcity", said the head of state.

He called access to water a "basic value" and described it as "unthinkable" that in a "European Bulgaria", the state cannot guarantee this access. Radev stressed that the problem is extremely serious and cannot be solved simply by shifting responsibility to the local authorities. He called for the urgent mobilization of all institutions and levels of government to find both short-term and long-term solutions. The President expressed his expectation for "much greater commitment and help" from the central institutions and those who "make the operational decisions in the state and distribute public resources". He called on them "to come here and prove on the spot that they truly think and work for the people". During the discussions, Rumen Radev also raised questions related to the misuse of funds and corrupt practices that contribute to the water crisis. He rhetorically asked where the allocated funds for the water supply and sewerage network and for dams went.

"Where did 500 million for dams go, we still have no answer to this question", he said, referring to the lack of transparency and control.

The President also touched upon the topic of illegal extraction of inert materials from riverbeds, which is also among the causes of the region's suffering.

Comments on Political Issues

During the media appearance, the head of state also answered questions related to political topics of national interest. When asked about his position on the leadership of the State Agency "National Security" (DANS), he confirmed that he had enough information to make a decision.

"I have already announced my decision, from now on the Council of Ministers is on the move", said Radev, not wanting to reveal more details about the processes in the service.

The President also commented on the brutal assault on the head of the Ruse police.

"This breakdown of the state must stop", the head of state categorically stated, emphasizing the deteriorating situation with the rule of law.

In conclusion of his statements, Rumen Radev predicted a "tense political autumn" ahead. After the meetings in Pleven, the head of state departed for Gulyantsi, where he is expected to participate in the solemn celebration of the 51st anniversary of the settlement being declared a town. Before the residents on "Svoboda" square, President Radev will deliver a greeting.