Gyurov: President must act as check on government, budget veto possible

Presidential candidate Andrey Gyurov, who is running with Georgi Kandev for vice president, outlined his view of the office on NOVA TV. The head of state must be independent, transparent and active, support good government decisions and oppose harmful policies without seeking conflict with the executive, he said. "I have always seen myself as someone who extends a hand, not clenches a fist," Gyurov said.

On the Black Sea, he said convening the Consultative Council for National Security had been right but should have come sooner. Bulgaria should work more closely with NATO and EU partners such as Romania and Turkey. Unlike President Yotova, Gyurov does not believe consultations under Article 4 necessarily amount to escalation. Attacks on civilian ships drive up the cost of transport and insurance, and thus of goods and fuel, Gyurov said. Bulgaria could take part in Ukraine's reconstruction with high-tech defense production, he said.

On economic policy, he criticized the increases in pensions and the minimum wage as well as additional tax burdens; unpredictable measures could raise investor risk and lending rates. Asked about a possible veto of the next budget, he said the veto is a constitutional instrument for laws that run counter to citizens' interests; if necessary, the budget should be reconsidered with the involvement of business, employers and trade unions. Polls do not discourage him: "Sociology is a photo, the campaign is a film."