Charged Ex Bulgarian AgriMin Gives up GERB Election Bid

Bulgaria's ormer Minister of Agriculture Miroslav Naydenov is charged with attempt to bribe and abuse of power. Photo by BGNES

Former Minister of Agriculture Miroslav Naydenov has decided to not run on the election ballot of the center-right Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria party, GERB.

It was revealed Tuesday that the Sofia City Prosecution has levied several charges of attempt to bribe and abuse of power against Naydenov, who served in the GERB Cabinet of former Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, 2009-2013.

In an immediate reaction after the news made headlines, Naydenov informed he had spoken to Borisov on Monday to tell him he was giving up on being nominated for inclusion in GERB's ballots and the former PM has accepted this decision as "the only right move" in the current situation.

The former Agriculture Minister explains his choice with not wanting to profit from a possible immunity as a Member of the future Parliament.

"My desire is to have a speedy and honest pre-trial probe. During it, I would not speak publically any further in order to not impede it. I ask media to show understanding. When everything is done and over, I will answer all your questions, and rest assured, you will have some interesting things to listen too," Naydenov, cited by Focus news agency, says.

He is firm the Bulgarian Socialist Party has pressured the prosecution to act against him.

Bulgaria is to hold early elections on May 12, following the February resignation of Borisov.

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