Румен Радев issued a call for the restoration of public justice and institutional integrity during the graduation ceremony for the 2026 class of the Ministry of Interior (MVR) Academy, demanding an end to the perception that people with expensive black cars can bypass traffic laws and that high-level corruption remains unpunished.
Restoring Trust and Institutional Integrity
Prime Minister Radev emphasized that the new graduates must work to restore public trust in state institutions, ensuring they serve the interests of Bulgarian citizens rather than "shadowy circles," as reported by News.bg. He framed the role of the police as a fundamental pillar for maintaining the nation’s democratic order and security.
Radev directly addressed the conduct of those in positions of power, warning that the public expects law enforcement to curb the behavior of individuals who use expensive vehicles to disregard traffic regulations. According to Vesti.bg, the Prime Minister underscored that the graduates’ mission is to act as a reliable support system for citizens, particularly during crises and natural disasters.
Public Scrutiny Over State Security Incidents
The Prime Minister’s comments come amid heightened public scrutiny regarding the National Security Service (NSO). Recent incidents have fueled debate over the conduct of state security officers, most notably the case involving journalist Sonya Koltuklieva, who was pushed by the security detail of the National Assembly Chairperson, Mihaela Dolzova, while attempting to open a service vehicle door.
This incident follows a series of controversies surrounding the agency, often referred to in public discourse as the "state taxi." The scrutiny is further compounded by a severe May 16, 2024, collision near Aksakovo. In that instance, an NSO vehicle carrying former Prime Minister Kiril Petkov was involved in a crash at a T-junction, an event that remains a significant point of reference in discussions regarding the agency’s operational safety and accountability.
Navigating Professional Dangers and Ethical Tests
In his address to the cadets, Radev acknowledged that their careers would be fraught with danger and ethical tests. He cautioned that the history of the Ministry of Interior includes instances where former officers "crossed over to the dark side," urging the new graduates to prioritize integrity over personal gain.
"Serving the Motherland is the more difficult path, but it is more noble and dignified," Radev stated, according to Vesti.bg. He highlighted the progress made by the Ministry in recent years, noting that while criminal cases were once frequently covered up or left unsolved, current efforts have led to the rapid resolution of murders and the dismantling of illegal operations, including narcotics laboratories and illicit cigarette factories.
Key Priorities for the Ministry of Interior
Prime Minister Radev highlighted the importance of the Ministry of Interior’s efforts to combat vote-buying, reduce traffic fatalities, and secure Bulgaria’s borders.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings and Cadet Guidance
The court is currently determining the final outcome regarding the NSO employee involved in the incident with the journalist, which resulted in a charge of causing bodily harm. Radev warned that officers will face significant dangers and potential temptations throughout their careers, explicitly advising them not to follow the path of former colleagues who chose to act against the law.
Related reading