Saxe-Coburg: Bulgaria President Needs Better Use of Rights

Speculations about whether the former king and former prime minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg will become president abound in Bulgaria. Photo by Sofia Photo Agency

Simeon Saxe-Coburg, Bulgaria's former king and prime minister, has said the president needs not more rights, but a deeper understanding of those the institution has now.

"The rights of the president should be interpreted in a new way. They are adequate under the current constitutional standards. But they must be actively and fully implemented," Saxe-Coburg said in a statement, published on his site.

"What is most important is the balance between the three powers. It is the president's duty to be the guardian of this balance and steer clear of taking sides in the political debates," he explained.

The presidential post is largely ceremonial in Bulgaria, but has the right to a veto, enjoys the respect of the people and may serve as a corrective - both personally and through consultative councils.

The outgoing president, Socialist Georgi Parvanov, was expected to fight for more rights for his office, including the right to initiate a referendum, wield a stronger veto on bills, be entitled to approve or reject ministers, linked to security and defense, and overhaul the special services. He however did not follow this agenda.

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