DPS calls for parliamentary inquiry into Bulgarian procurement corruption

The Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS) parliamentary group has submitted a proposal to the Bulgarian National Assembly to hold hearings regarding alleged corruption in public procurement contracts for the supply and installation of mantinele (protective covers/tarpaulins).

The proposal calls for Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Galab Donev and Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Ivan Shishkov to testify. The allegations include suspicious indexation methods in contracts exceeding 160% of their original value and pressure exerted by Minister Shishkov on the Executive Director of 'Avtomagistrali' EAD, Ivan Kunev, which reportedly led to Kunev's resignation.

Additionally, the DPS is questioning Minister of Interior Ivan Demerdzhiev regarding potential political protection for companies involved in the scheme. Specifically, they seek an investigation into the connections between an advisor to Prime Minister Rumen Radev and Nikolay Ivanov, owner of Jupiter 05 AD, a company involved in contracts totaling over 900 million leva.