Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Valeri Simeonov has refused to apologize for his strong-worded statement regarding Russian Patriarch Kirill.

Earlier this week in a televised interview Simeonov termed the patriarch “a second-rate cop” and “a tobacco bishop” following Kirill’s reproach to Bulgaria for having underestimated Russia’s role for its liberation.

Asked whether the government coalition can go on its term without Simeonov’s party National Front for the Salvation of Bulgaria which is member of the United Patriots coalition, the deputy prime minister replied that there was no problem provided the respective parliamentary majority could be formed.

In the meantime, the other two co-chairmen of the United Patriots Volen Siderov (Ataka party) and Krasimir Karakachanov (VMRO) who reacted strongly against the statement of Valeri Simeonov now say that tensions in the coalition will soon come under control.