Rights and Freedoms Party

Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov shared insights on various key topics during a press briefing in Sofia on Monday. The discussions covered the upcoming government rotation, Bulgaria's defence priorities, and challenges posed by misinformation.

Government Rotation

Newly re-elected President Rumen Radev speaks to journalists after his victory in the presidential election in Sofia, 21 November 2021. Photo: EPA-EFE/VASSIL DONEV

His centre-right rival, Anastas Gerdjikov, came far behind with 31.9 per cent in as yet incomplete results. However, in a sign of widespread political apathy, the turnout was at an all-time low of only 34.1 per cent.

After the US State Department announced on Monday evening that it has approved a possible sale to Bulgaria of a squadron of new and fully armed F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft for an estimated cost of $1.673 billion, the Bulgarian defence minister said he expected to get the planes for a cheaper price.

The Rights and Freedoms Party (HÖH), a party dominated by the Turkish minority in Bulgaria, has issued a "No" call for the oncoming constitutional referendum in Turkey.

The party issued a statement on April 6 saying the referendum on whether to shift Turkey to an executive presidential system threatened democracy, fundamental rights and freedoms. 

Groups of angry nationalist Bulgarians blocked roads from two border gates to Turkey on March 21 in a bid to prevent voters who hold passports of both countries on the eve of a general election over the weekend. 

Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has criticized both Germany for canceling Turkish ministers' meetings in the country and the government for pursuing "double standards." 

The CHP defends Turkish ministers' right to campaign in Germany ahead of a Turkish referendum, he said, but criticized the government for its stance on Turkish politicians from Bulgaria.