Interior Ministry Chief Secretary withdraws resignation
The Chief Secretary at the Ministry of the Interior, Zhivko Kotsev, said that he is withdrawing his resignation and will remain in his position.
Appearing surprisingly at a press briefing of outgoing PM Nikolay Denkov, Kotsev explained that he had acted under immense psychological and moral pressure when he announced his resignation on Thursday. "I noticed today that my resignation was used as an argument for Kalin Stoyanov to hold his position as minister of the interior. This circumstance engages me and obligates me, as my moral and professional duty, to return and work because this is no longer just about me, but about the entire state and all Bulgarian citizens," he added.
After Kotsev said he was stepping down, WCC-DB leader Kiril Petkov said on Thursday that the coalition did not know Kotsev's whereabouts, Boyko Rashkov, former Minister of the Interior, added that efforts had been made to locate him since the morning but they were unsuccessful. Outgoing PM Nikolay Denkov stated on Friday that they were unable to contact him because "his phone was taken away," without clarifying who had taken it and why.
Early election to be held together with vote for MEPs on June 9
President Rumen Radev announced that early general elections and a vote for members of the European Parliament will be held simultaneously on June 9. This decision was taken following consultations with the political parties in the outgoing legislature.
Radev gave the parties time until Monday, April 8 to present their demands and advice to PM-designate Dimitar Glavchev, so that on Tuesday morning, Radev can sign a decree for appointing a caretaker government as well as the decrees for holding the European and national elections.
Bulgaria opposes UNHRC resolution on Israel
Among European states, only Bulgaria and Germany voted against a UN Human Rights Council resolution calling for holding Israel accountable for possible war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the Gaza Strip.
The vote at the UN's top human rights body occurred hours after Israel announced the opening of additional routes for aid deliveries to Gaza, following the killing of humanitarian workers in an Israeli strike. Last night, U.S. President Joe Biden hinted at a significant shift in his country's approach by linking his policy in Gaza to urgent actions that Israel should undertake.
The non-binding resolution saw opposition from Argentina, Bulgaria, Germany, Malawi, Paraguay, and the United States. A total of 28 countries voted in favor, and 13 abstained, including European countries like Lithuania, Romania, France, and Montenegro. Outside of Europe, other countries long considered supporters of Israel, such as India, also abstained
Interior Ministry Chief Secretary withdraws resignation
The Chief Secretary at the Ministry of the Interior, Zhivko Kotsev, said that he is withdrawing his resignation and will remain in his position.
