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The proposal for a referendum on the euro is unconstitutional: Prime Minister Zhelyazkov

PM Rosen Zhelyazkov
Photo: BTA

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov has appealed to the National Assembly through the media not to allow consideration of the proposal for a referendum on the euro, which he claims is  unconstitutional. His appeal is in connection with President Rumen Radev's proposal for holding a national referendum to answer the question of whether citizens want Bulgaria to introduce the single European currency from the beginning of 2026.

According to Zhelyazkov, the real goal of the presidential initiative is not to hold a referendum, but an attempt to sway the European institutions regarding the upcoming convergence reports in June, so that Bulgaria does not become a member of the eurozone in 2026. 

"This is perhaps one of the goals not only of the president, but of a part of society subjected to serious hybrid pressure, but also of businesses which do not want to be taken out of the grey sector," the prime minister pointed out. He was categorical that such a proposal is in violation of the Constitution of Bulgaria and European Union law.

The Prime Minister recalled that on May 11, 2005, the National Assembly ratified the Law on the Accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the EU, which provides for Bulgaria to be part of the Economic and Monetary Union. If there was to be a referendum, it should have been held before May 11, 2005, Zhelyazkov stated firmly.



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