The Allegation: Threats Against MP Andrei Tsekov

Andrei Tsekov, a current Member of Parliament and former Regional Minister, has reportedly received threats following his recent allegations of corruption. Kiril Petkov, co-chairman of Tsekov’s party, revealed this information to reporters outside Parliament. According to Petkov, Tsekov was approached by an individual who warned him about potential repercussions if he continued to speak about Ivan Mirinski and illuminate this cardinal. Petkov emphasized the seriousness of the threat, stating, That motivates us a lot. However, Petkov did not clarify why Tsekov himself did not address the media directly.

Peevski’s Involvement: A Rebuttal?

The controversy extends to Delyan Peevski, a prominent figure and leader of the MRF-New Beginning party.Peevski purportedly sought to demonstrate that Tsekov had been in contact with him. Peevski maintains that discussions occurred in his office,asserting that no intermediaries where involved. This claim surfaces amidst the escalating tensions and accusations.

petkov’s Defense and Accusations

Petkov defended Tsekov, addressing Peevski’s alleged attempts to influence ministers.He stated:

Peevski has called and wrote, who you can think of. He is answered because he is a MP. He has called like crazy to all ministers and some people. He always comes from him, he is the first to ring. Because he received an answer. He has never been able to push a scheme through us.
Kiril Petkov, Co-chairman of Tsekov’s Party

Petkov reiterated accusations against Mirinski, questioning the timing of these revelations in relation to an incident near Telish. While thay demanded the resignation of the head of the RIA (Road Infrastructure Agency), only a directorate director was reportedly removed.

Broader Implications: Corruption and Public Procurement

Tsekov’s party is raising concerns about systemic issues within public procurement. The MP argued that superficial changes are insufficient to address the core problems. He stated:

When you remove the director of the Directorate, you do not really finish essential work. while we have gray cardinals that coordinate public procurement not on the basis of price -point, but on the basis of who knows who, our paths will be with holes and with problems, and we will have tragedies.
Andrei Tsekov, Member of Parliament

This statement highlights the party’s belief that deeper, more systemic reforms are necessary to combat corruption and ensure fair practices in public procurement.

Analysis: The Context of Bulgarian Politics

The allegations and counter-allegations occur within a complex political landscape in Bulgaria. Accusations of corruption are not uncommon, and the relationships between political figures often involve intricate networks of influence. The claims made by Tsekov and the defense offered by Petkov underscore the ongoing struggle for transparency and accountability in the country’s governance. The reference to gray cardinals suggests a belief that powerful,unelected individuals are manipulating public procurement processes for their own benefit,a claim that,if substantiated,would have critically important implications for the integrity of Bulgarian institutions.