Bulgarian PM Throws Out Stats Head's Resignation

Mariana Kotseva is to remain at the lead of the National Statistics Institute (NSI) per the decision of Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov. Photo by BGNES

Bulgaria's Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, refused Thursday to accept the resignation of the Head of the National Statistics Institute (NSI), Mariana Kotseva.

The news was reported Thursday after a meeting between the two and only a day following Kotseva's special briefing, announcing her decision to withdraw. The NSI Head stated then her move was triggered by criticism related to the NSI internet census questionnaire giving as possible answers for ethnic groups: Bulgarian, Turkish, Roma, and a 4th option listing ethnicities such as Bulgarian-Muslim, Macedonian, African-American, among others. She stated NSI was not to blame, but pointed out her decision was made because she is a responsible public servant.

"Kotseva is an expert with proven skills and professional qualities and is highly regarded by partner institutions in Europe," Borisov said Thursday.

During the conversation, the PM has given the NSI Head the task to carry out a full probe on all levels, including her deputies, in the controversial census questionnaire and establish who are the employees behind it.

Kotseva's decision came on the heels of declarations issued by the nationalist VMRO party last week, demanding the categories to be removed from the questionnaire over fears they would divide the nation.

Upon the announcement the resignation was rejected, VMRO reiterated they demand to find out why another member of the census team – Mustafa Zinal Hasan is keeping his post and the real culprits behind the blunder.

The party, however, voiced satisfaction their proposal to leave the "others" category blank, and give the respondents the opportunity to fill it themselves was accepted.

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