Ex-President of Bulgaria: Russia finances Bulgarian parties
Former Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev stated that Russia finances political parties and interferes in Bulgaria's internal affairs.
"There are good reasons to believe that Bulgarian parties are financed by Turkey, but there are many such (parties) that are financed by Russia. While we are talking about Turkey interfering in our internal affairs, we should not forget that other states do so as well," Plevneliev said in an interview with TV channel BTV.
"It's not just about Turkey, it's also a question of Russia, and I'd be happy if the Bulgarian president (Rumen Radev) pointed that out too. It's more than clear to me that Russia is trying in every way to destabilize and divide the European Union," he said.
The former head of state commented on Radev's initiative to invite Russian President Vladimir Putin to the celebration of the 140th anniversary of the Liberation of Bulgaria in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878. "Every visit of the Russian president is problematic and Bulgaria should evaluate its pros and cons, and carefully consider how and on what terms to invite him," he said. Plevneliev advised Radev to reconsider his position with regard to anti-Russian sanctions and the annexation of the Crimea to Russia.
Plevneliev served as President of Bulgaria from 2012 to 2017. He decided not to stand for election for a second term. As a result, retired Major-General Rumen Radev won the Bulgarian presidential election.