Attorney general Ivan Geshev stands for extreme measures in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic and explained that Bulgaria is potentially nearing a “martial law”, an opinion shared not just by him, but by the majority of European leaders as well.
He clarified that “martial law” describes the situation in the Bulgarian ski resort Bansko, as well as in Italy, Spain, and Serbia.
“We all have to realize that we are currently in war for the survival of the Bulgarian population”, commented AG Geshev in a broadcast for national television.
He believes that the sooner everybody comes to that realization, the fewer casualties Bulgaria would have to suffer to the coronavirus pandemic.
Geshev stressed that the Prosecution cannot advise the National Operational Headquarters and that it can only monitor for the lawfulness of the measures taken. This has already been planned out. Тhe prosecutor’s office is going to monitor the effectiveness of the governmental bodies in regard to the containment of the coronavirus outbreak. The Prosecution would also continue to decisively fight crime in these times of crisis.
Geshev announced that companies, offices, and pharmacies across the country would be checked for compliance with the issued by the government crisis measures.
He also explained that he does not want to cause panic, but time is running out and we have to prepare for the worst cases possible. He also added:
“If you want peace, prepare for war.“
He believes that if Bulgaria fails to do so, the country may very well follow the fate of Italy and Spain. He stressed that we can only survive the fight against the outbreak if we stand united.
Geshev explained that it is the duty of the government to make sure that all precautions are strictly followed by the business and the citizens. In case it failed to do so, it will not be only the state but citizens as well who get to suffer from the consequences.
The attorney general appealed for prompt governmental actions as the situation is changing by the minute. He also asked for additional compensation of 1000 Bulgarian lev for all officers of the Ministry of Interior who are engaged in containing the outbreak.
Translation: Ivaylo Yotov
