Vigenin: On justice, a dialogue between the governing parties and the opposition is needed

“The solution to the problems with justice and the rule of law in Bulgaria is not in campaign talk from the European rostrum, but in creating a constructive dialogue between the governing parties and the opposition in Sofia.” This was stated by Bulgarian MEP from the Group of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament Kristian Vigenin on Bulgaria On Air television, on the occasion of the debate in Strasbourg on the state of democracy in Bulgaria.

According to Vigenin, the insistence of part of the Renew Europe political group on a party mission to the country has a clear political subtext. “It is obvious that the results of such a mission will reflect politically predetermined positions rather than an objective assessment,” he commented.

Instead of campaigns, Vigenin insists on using the possibilities of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE), as well as of its specialised monitoring group. He supports sending an official mission to Bulgaria, but after good preparation and after the country has shown concrete steps in the reform of justice and home affairs. “The topic of the rule of law should not be used as a weapon in political battles, this undermines trust in the European institutions and creates counter-reactions in the country, such as the call to stop the European funds for Bulgaria,” the MEP warned.

Kristian Vigenin pointed out that investigations, even against mayors who belong to certain political forces, are carried out under an established legal procedure. “Instead of using specific cases for political attacks, the functioning of the judicial system should be encouraged,” he believes. The MEP drew a parallel with the case in France, where former president Sarkozy went to prison with the words “I am innocent”, but nobody raised slogans that democracy is in danger.

Kristian Vigenin drew attention to the fact that part of the current crises in the judicial system and the institutions are the result of political chaos and frequent changes of government in recent years. “We Continue the Change and Democratic Bulgaria, having taken part in some of those governments, also bear responsibility for the blockages created, including with regard to the anti-corruption commission,” he commented.

“The reform of the anti-corruption commission looked like an attempt to create a second prosecution service under the control of a political formation,” Vigenin pointed out. He warned that such structures, created without a strategy, can easily turn against their creators.

Kristian Vigenin called on the political forces in Bulgaria: “Let the governing parties and the opposition talk rationally and responsibly at least on the topic of justice. We need dialogue and professionalism, not political theatre, which only harms Bulgaria and creates a sense of instability.”