In the past 24 hours the power holders staged provocations which gave the police reasons to exert large-stage and disproportionate violence against the protesters and journalists, President Rumen Radev said
 

Good afternoon and welcome,
Dear Compatriots,

In the past 24 hours the power holders staged provocations which gave the police reasons to exert large-stage and disproportionate violence against the protesters and journalists. Tens have been injured, both citizens and the law enforcement bodies. My thoughts go to all injured and their families that have experienced worries since yesterday.

Meanwhile parliamentary support for the draft of a new constitution is being traded for beach concessions, promises of lucrative jobs and cash. The attempt to push through a ridiculous, but convenient to the status quo constitution with the power of money and with the protection of police shields is a criminal attack against Bulgaria’s future. These actions risk throwing the country into a state of a long-term deadlock.  

The MPs from the majority, who do not dare look their voters in the eyes, under the protection of police cordons, rejected yet another veto and voted for the 60-year concessions and other amendments damaging the state of the Subsurface Resources Act. Today they even relegated the peacefully protesting citizens to a criminal contingent, whereby they shed light on the real mentality of the power holders, who have been plundering the country years on end.   

Parliament continues to attempt, with a series of amendments, to make machine voting meaningless and to pave the way to election violations.

The actions of the governing majority not only threaten public peace, but also aggravate the crisis and turn Bulgaria into a hostage to their own political survival.

I call on the protesters and police to remain calm and make sure they are not embroiled in schemes for the survival of a government marred by corruption and violence.

Protests are the only possible and justified action against the capture of Bulgarian democracy. It is the duty of each Bulgarian citizen to say No to violence, repressions and lawlessness.  

The immediate and unconditional resignation of the government is the only way out of the crisis.

Thank you for your attention!