The president may reconsider his intention to propose a referendum on the euro. I call on the National Assembly not to allow such an unconstitutional proposal to be considered.
This was stated by Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov in connection with Rumen Radev's request to hold a public consultation on the adoption of the euro, BGNES reports.
The president's goal, Zhelyazkov said, is to seriously undermine the European institutions before the convergence report is released in June.
Our Constitution is categorical. Exactly 20 years ago, the Bulgarian National Assembly, with over 230 members, ratified the Law on Reunification with the EU, which provides for Bulgaria to be part of the economic and monetary union. For 20 years, Bulgaria has had a derogation, which means that it has not met the criteria for accession. Once Bulgaria meets the criteria, its accession to the Eurozone is by virtue of the treaty and its ratification, not by the will of the National Assembly or any other body.
Our law on direct citizen participation states that a referendum may be held on issues related to an international treaty before its ratification. In other words, if there was to be a referendum, it should have been held before May 11, 2005, Rosen Zhelyazkov was adamant. | BGNES