Lena Borislavova: Our politicians take BGN 4,000 each directly from Moscow

The Bulgarian security services have information that our politicians, public figures, analysts and other public figures are paid directly by the Russian state in order to shape public opinion in favor of those favorable to the Russian Federation. This was announced by the retired head of the cabinet – Lena Borislavova, in an interview with “Darik” radio.

“There are opinion makers who participate in debates and put their faces on the national airwaves. And here, unfortunately, what we are seeing, and which was already established in February, is that there are speakers who are paid, including from the Russian state – public and political speakers. 4,000 BGN per month is the price of one such speaker. They, members of the services that provide information to politicians about what is actually happening, as well as individual politicians,” explained Borislavova.

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Even if the diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Russia are broken and Moscow’s mission in Sofia is closed, this will not significantly affect the economy in our country. This is how the retired Minister of Innovation and Growth, Daniel Laurer, commented earlier today on Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova’s threat that he would recommend the Kremlin to close its embassy in our country, after a note was issued to expel 70 Russian diplomats on charges of espionage.

“Nothing will happen to the Bulgarian economy. Absolutely nothing,” Laurer told BNT. “Russia has not been such a factor for our country for a long time, as some were used to it being before 1989. The European Union is the biggest investor in the Bulgarian state. Of course, after ourselves, when our taxes are not stolen. Neither Russian tourists are leading the industry anymore, nor the import of goods is a determinant of the economy.”

The minister pointed out that after the suspension of gas supplies, Bulgaria was able to achieve the long-awaited diversification in the blue fuel supply and is currently receiving natural gas from the USA and Azerbaijan. And he added that the policy led by Russian President Vladimir Putin actually helps to break addictions not only in our country.

“Thanks to Russia’s aggressive diplomacy, which helps us emancipate ourselves from them. For months, Putin has been trying to blackmail the world with everything possible – gas, wheat, weapons. But the world is coping,” Laurer said.

At the same time, the retired Minister of Defense Dragomir Zakov expressed doubt that diplomatic relations between Sofia and Moscow will end. But in his opinion, Mitrofanova must necessarily be replaced as ambassador.

“I think that common sense will be shown, because many Russian citizens in our country will suffer from the closure of the embassy – he commented to “Nova TV”. – The number of Russian diplomats is disproportionately large for a country like Bulgaria. So it is obvious, that there were people who engaged in unusual activity. I would not be surprised if Russian agents had connections with the highest place in politics in our country. But on this matter, DANS must rule.”

Regarding the Russian ambassador, Zakov believes that her replacement would be a show of respect from the Kremlin: “If it’s another ambassador, reasonable conversations can be held about reciprocity.”

The Minister of Defense warned that the possible deepening of the political crisis in our country could directly affect the modernization of the Bulgarian army. The timely purchase of the new F-16 fighter jets has been called into question, as an offer from Washington is expected “any moment” and it is important to have a functioning parliament.

“Our Euro-Atlantic choice was made a long time ago and I don’t think that one election would change it. But there are hard decisions to be made in the next 6-9 months and political stability is very important,” concluded Zakov.

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“I do not believe that diplomatic relations with Russia will be severed.” This is what Vice President Iliana Yotova told journalists today. She still hopes that a compromise option will be found so that both sides take a step back, BTA reported.

“For me, the best option is to review the regulations in a bilateral dialogue and where there is really evidence – to recall the Russian diplomats,” she pointed out. According to her, there is no benefit from radical moves on both sides.

“As for the way in which this whole procedure was carried out, I think it has already become clear enough that for 4-5 days no one in the state can take responsibility for who made this decision”, commented the vice president.