Magistrates should be independent but not untouchable – in this way President Rumen Radev explained his refusal to veto the new Judiciary Act which requires from judges to declare membership of various organizations.

“We all want to have independent magistrates but not untouchable ones. Declaring membership of organizations does not mean such membership is banned”, he said.

The Bulgarian president also commented on the veto imposed by him on texts from the Environmental Protection Act which annihilate the court of second instance and thus aim to speed up permits for construction on the so-called sites of national importance. He explained that he had never been opposed to large infrastructure projects but this should take place under good laws.

At the celebrations of the 138^th anniversary of the Bulgarian Navy in Varna President Rumen Radev extended wishes to Navy staff for better equipment, worthy remuneration and good working conditions as promised by the cabinet.