Russian Paper: Bulgaria 'Was Docile NATO, EU Member' Under Last Socialist President

It is worth remembering that "socialists were already Presidents of Bulgaria" but it remained a "docile" NATO member and implemented EU directives unperturbed, a Russian daily says.

The opinion piece is a comment on the win of socialist-backed candidate Rumen Radev in the first round of Bulgaria's presidential election and the prospect of him winning the runoff vote.

Titled "Is Bulgaria Making a Choice between East and West?", the text questions suggestions in Western media that a rapprochement with Russia will be triggered by Radev's election.

Sofia listened to the EU and NATO back under the "socialist" presidential term even when that went against the country's national interest, Rossiyskaya Gazeta says [RU], in a reference to the ten-year tenure of Georgi Parvanov (2002-2012) who won nominated by the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP).

In addition the president does have the last say in Bulgaria, where power rests with the Prime Minister, the text goes on.

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