69119 | 10 May 2025 | 13:38

This referendum is to provoke destabilization, as happened in the summer of 2020. For creating artificial dividing lines, for preparing the ground for early elections

 The organization of a referendum on issues related to already adopted and ratified international treaties is not possible, as there is also a limitation from the Constitution.

 Therefore on November 9th 2022, President Rumen Radev responded to the request of “Revival” party for a referendum on the introduction of the Euro currency in our country.

 Two years later, the Constitutional Court ruled on the case 13/2024, stating that a referendum on the Euro currency is not possible, as Bulgaria has a valid obligation to join the Eurozone and the process of fulfilling this obligation is not subject to the assessment of Bulgarian institutions, let alone a national referendum, but rather the fulfillment of convergence criteria.

 THE CONSTITUTION LIMITS A REFERENDUM ON THE EURO

 "There is no way for me to issue a decree for a referendum on the Euro currency. We have taken on the commitment to join the eurozone since joining the EU", stated the country's leader on March 13, 2025 in front of students in Plovdiv. He also explained that "there are limitations for organizing such a referendum, as stated in our Constitution, where it is written that "International treaties, especially regarding the European Union, are above national legislation".

 And suddenly, on May 9 at 7 pm, in an extraordinary address to the nation, Rumen Radev shattered the fragile political peace in the country by announcing that he will propose a referendum in the National Assembly for the adoption of the euro as of January 1, 2026 and formulating the question: "Do you agree that Bulgaria should adopt the single European currency euro in 2026?" The shock was immense, the political factions immediately rearranged and took clear positions, society was divided. Supporters and opponents of the Euro trembled against each other. And lawyers will only discuss whether Radev's formulation even meets the requirements of the Law on the admissibility of referendums, as hinted by this morning by the chairman of the parliament, Prof. Natalia Kiselova.

 According to the Law on Direct Participation of Citizens in State Power and Local Self-Government, which regulates the rules for holding referendums, the question submitted by the president for the inquiry must pass through a vote in the National Assembly, where it must be approved.

 It is now clear that the referendum will not pass through the parliament.

 Without any problems it will be rejected by the pro-European majority of GERB-UDF(66 deputies), CC-DB (36), MRF-NB (29) and BSP-LEFT (19) who have a total of 150 government representatives. And Radev knows this! Radev knows that the referendum he requested is unconstitutional. And he knowingly violates the Constitution.

 WHY IS HE DOING THIS?

 To strike the country, riding on populism with the motive that the people must be asked. And to suppress the problems, which fly towards him like an avalanche...Yes, the people should have been asked much earlier. The people should have been consulted in 2022 when Radev categorically rejected this possibility. And we come to the hypocrisy of this state leader.

 RADEV CHOSE THE MOST SLY MOMENT

 In an attempt to deflect attention from himself, Radev chose the most cunning moment to stab Bulgaria in the back - just one month before the convergence report, which we all know will be positive and will open the door to the Eurozone. But that's not all. After the report, a difficult European procedure begins - first debates in the European Parliament, then decisions by the European Commission and the Eurogroup. And not everywhere on this path does Bulgaria have friends. A translation for a news website: There are hidden enemies who want to trip us up, just like what happened with Schengen, and Radev is giving them great arguments for a possible negative decision - they haven't come to an agreement there, there is no unity in the country about the euro, there is no stability in the state, let them wait... And if they make us wait, it's the end of the euro for us. And Radev knows that.

 He is acting in a panicked manner inside the country in order to urgently serve foreign interests that are against Bulgaria's entry into the Eurozone.

 THAT IS WHY HE IS COMPLICIT AND HIS QUESTION IS

 - not whether the euro should be introduced at all, but whether it should be introduced from 2026. Some emphasize this fact - that Radev is not questioning the actual act of joining the Eurozone, but rather the timeline for this action.  This is a misconception!

 Radev knows that if the euro is postponed until after 2026, it will not be implemented at all - Bulgaria currently has only a few months left to complete its final European integration, from which there is no turning back. The truth is that after so much effort, we are on the verge of the euro. And at this very moment, Radev wants to sabotage the country. That's why his move is anti-European, adventurous, anti-state, and irresponsible. It provokes a complete division in society.

 FOR THE SECOND TIME, RADEV FISTS AGAINST BORISOV AND GERB.
 
 The President is aware that his provocation will not go unnoticed. But for the second time, he raised his fist against the legitimate government of GERB and Boyko Borisov. Clearly, it should be emphasized that this referendum is not for the people - if Radev cared about the people, he would not have signed the backroom deal with "Botas", which the current and future citizens of Bulgaria will pay for. This referendum is for provoking destabilization, as happened in the summer of 2020. For creating artificial dividing lines, for preparing the ground for early elections and for legitimizing his own political role on the party field - far beyond the limits of the Constitution.

 THE PRESIDENT - A DESTABILIZING FACTOR

 Once again, Radev has jumped against the party system and parliament, which - yes, it is true, do not enjoy widespread public trust. But they are legitimate. Once, the head of state said: "Institutions with critically low public trust cannot make strategic decisions for the future of citizens", and then turns to these same institutions to make decisions about his referendum?! Radev's stance as the ultimate critic of everything and everyone, which he has solidified over the years, makes him a de facto destabilizing factor in the country. This goes against the responsibilities assigned to him by the Constitution. Regardless of their ratings, the Parliament is the highest legislative body in our country. The people elect these representatives and it doesn't matter (unfortunately) whether we like them or not.

 In fact, if society had the opportunity to see the Presidency from the inside, as it does every day in Parliament, they would be disgusted no less. But that's a topic for another time. Radev's rush, however, brings to mind the fear that the time is coming for the presidency to be scrutinized. And not through the keyhole.

 UNDER RADEV'S FOOTSTEPS CLICKS THE "BOOT" BOMB

 Currently, only the full immunity of the head of state is saving him from investigation. But the months of his term are running out faster and faster. And the horrifying clauses of this agreement, sealed under the dictation of the president at the expense of national interests, will be revealed. Radev is agitated, which is why he is taking such malicious actions against his own country, something that none of his predecessors have even thought of doing.

 It is striking that his extraordinary address on May 9 happened only a few hours after GERB leader Boyko Borisov stated in parliament that very soon, "Botev" would be held accountable and for the first time directly pointed out that responsibility would also be held by Radev. Borisov threw the bait and Radev took it. Out of fear!

 Yes, "Botev" will sink Radev if he waits until the end of his term. That's why Iliyana Yotova is already warming up to replace him as president.

 THE REFERENDUM - A SPRINGBOARD FOR A NEW PARTY

 Radev's proposed referendum gives him the opportunity to preempt events. He has been delayed a lot, missed all opportunities to lead a personal political project so far.

 If the referendum does not pass in parliament, this could be the reason for Radev to resign early from "Dondukov" 2 and enter the party field. We can only guess what the reaction of the head of state would be if the MPs reject his act as incompetent or unconstitutional. This will be a shame for him. A blow to his image, to his reputation. Considering how strong his "Ego" is, we can assume that his only move would be to say: Those in parliament are bad, I will lead the "good" ones, head the protests and provoke early elections.

 The same motive can be seen if the referendum passes in parliament and Radev uses the debate on the survey to destroy his party. A remake of 2020. Only this time it won't be the CC with Kiro and Asen, but with the electorate of "Revival", MUH and "Greatness"! And Radev will become a leader of anti-system parties. Their views are similar: In Bulgaria, democracy is in danger and we must return to laying stable foundations in our rule of law, where the people make their own decision about their future. It will be emphasized that the goal of the referendum is to show whether we have a responsible civil society.

 RADEV'S SCENARIO

 And the real goal will be for Radev to exploit these sentiments, to manipulate the emotions of the sovereign, to suggest that the constitution is being trampled by thugs dressed in institutional power. Radev's appeal is in complete sync with the positions of the nationalists.

 If Radev's scenario comes true, it will shake Bulgaria to its core and for many years it will be thrown into the mud of chaos and opposition, like it has never been seen even in the dawn of the transition period. After Radev's first punch, the country fell into four years of stagnation, but at least we didn't change direction. After Radev's second punch - we may change both direction and time.