Bulgaria Withdraws from Trump’s Board of Peace Amidst Oligarch Influence Claims

Bulgaria has announced its withdrawal from the Board of Peace, an initiative led by former U.S. President Donald Trump, citing concerns over its legitimacy and the influence of a sanctioned oligarch. The move leaves Hungary as the sole remaining European Union representative on the board, which was established to rebuild Gaza and requires permanent member nations to contribute $1 billion.

Background on the Board of Peace

The Board of Peace, chaired for life by Donald Trump, was created with the stated goal of rebuilding Gaza. Bulgaria’s initial decision to join the board occurred shortly before the collapse of the government led by former Prime Minister Rossen Zhelyazkov, amidst widespread anti-corruption protests. The decision was not ratified by the Bulgarian parliament.

Gyurov’s Allegations of Undue Influence

Interim Bulgarian Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov has publicly stated that the decision to join the Board of Peace was not a matter of international politics, but rather a result of pressure from Delyan Peevski, a Bulgarian oligarch sanctioned by the United States and the United Kingdom under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. Gyurov suggested that Peevski sought to leverage Bulgaria’s participation in the board to potentially have his sanctions lifted.

“It would be an exaggeration to say this is the position of Bulgaria,” Gyurov told Euronews. “It was not a question of international politics. It was a personal question of one oligarch who is sanctioned by the Global Magnitsky Act.”

Legal Concerns and Constitutional Challenges

Gyurov has indicated that his government intends to appeal to the Constitutional Court regarding the legality of Bulgaria’s initial commitment to the Board of Peace, citing the lack of parliamentary ratification. He expressed skepticism that the attempt to remove Peevski from the sanctions list would be successful.

Acting Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neinski has also voiced reservations about the legal status of the Board of Peace, aligning with concerns shared by many other EU countries.

Bulgaria’s Stance on Gaza Peace Efforts

Despite withdrawing from the Board of Peace, Bulgaria maintains its support for peace efforts in the Gaza Strip. Gyurov clarified that Bulgaria’s position is to support the Gaza peace plan, but questions the legitimacy of the broader framework established by the Board of Peace.

EU Context and Reactions

Within the European Union, Bulgaria and Hungary were the only two nations to initially participate in the establishment of Trump’s council. President Iliana Yotova commented that the controversies surrounding the Board of Peace do not contribute positively to Bulgaria’s international image and authority.

Political Maneuvering and Future Prospects

The initial attempt to ratify Bulgaria’s membership in the Board of Peace was reportedly driven by Delyan Peevski, influencing a change in position from Boyko Borisov and his GERB party. However, Gyurov’s government blocked the ratification process. Radan Kanev, a Member of the European Parliament, reported that Boyko Borisov informed Manfred Weber, the chairman of the European People’s Party, that Bulgaria would not ratify the agreement due to “special issues” between the U.S. And Bulgaria.

A national election in Bulgaria is scheduled for April.