Bulgaria President, Defense Minister Fall out over Pop Diva Promotion

Outgoing Defense Minister Tsonev (left) has promoted pop diva Lili Ivanova (right) to a reservist cornel from the medical staff. Photo by Darik News

A conflict has erupted between Bulgaria's President, Georgi Parvanov, and the outgoing Defense Minister, Nikolay Tsonev, over an award received Monday by the Bulgarian pop diva, Lili Ivanova.

Late on Monday, Tsonev "promoted" Ivanova to a "cornel from the medical service of the army" and presented her with the respective epaulets (back in her youth, the 70-year-old singer worked as a nurse.)

"I have applauded Lili Ivanova's performances dozens of times but I cannot imagine how I would ask "the cornel" for permission to remain in the room. Of course, this also has a comical side but I find this deed on part of the Minister very unconvincing, very unacceptable, that is not the first one. There is no joking with the army. We delayed the handing of the generals' epaulets by two months, thus disabling the army. At the same time, we are giving out epaulets randomly. I don't find this any good", said Parvanov, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Bulgarian Army, regarding Minister Tsonev's initiative.

During Monday's ceremony at the Ministry of Defense Ivanova was promoted to a cornel from the reserve, and was also presented with a weapon.

 

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!