Bulgaria's 'First Lady' Resents National Security 'Watch'

Bulgaria's "First Lady," Yuliyana Plevnelieva continues to refuse to comply with the National Security Services, NSO, and with her new status.

The information was reported by the Bulgarian "Standard" daily, writing that Plevnelieva insists on picking herself groceries and produce for her husband and children and cooking for them and resents the constant checks of her purchases and meals by NSO.

NSO, however, continue to firmly refuse to allow husband and new President, Rosen Plevneliev, to take even a bite from any food without first checking it.

"I cannot comment on this subject at all because we are talking here about the safety and security of the Bulgarian Head of State and his family," the NSO Chief, Dimitar Dimitrov, told "Standard."

Plevneliev's staff had reminded that even before the inauguration, the services have checked all gifts he had received, including those from foreign diplomats and all fruit and drinks he had gotten over the Christmas holidays.

Plevnelieva also remains firm that her and her three sons should continue to live their normal everyday lives, including remaining in their home, instead of using the State "Boyana" residence. She is using her own car to personally take her children to school and extra-curricular activities, "Standard" writes, adding that "the stubbornness of the First Lady is saving Bulgarian taxpayers expenses on food, and staff such as cooks, gardeners, drivers, and other help," which Plevneliev's predecessors have used.

According to NSO rules, security guards and State vehicles are not mandatory for the President's family if they are not under imminent threat.

Plevnelieva made headline news when she did not show up at January 22 inauguration ceremony of her husband. Her reluctance to make public appearances has raised eyebrows, as her opponents have accused her of negligence towards protocol rules and the representative function of the Head of State, but others have defended her right of choice.

It also emerged in the aftermath that she harbors a dislike for Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, and his ruling Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria party, GERB, after media dug some of her postings on Twitter such as "We do not need a Boykometer, we need a Boyko-launcher," and "Dozens of stray dogs are happily barking...they are celebrating Fandakova's victory (in the Sofia mayoral race)."

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