GERB leader Boyko Borissov called on President Iliana Yotova to urgently convene the Consultative Council for National Security (CSNS) to discuss the proposed deployment of US tanker aircraft at the Bezmer airbase, accusing the governing Progressive Bulgaria party of sending contradictory messages on the issue.
Speaking at an extraordinary briefing in parliament, Borissov argued that the government's current position sharply contradicts statements made by Prime Minister Rumen Radev during the previous deployment of American aircraft in Bulgaria under the Zhelyazkov government. According to Borissov, Radev had then warned that “strikes against Iran pose a real danger to Bulgaria's national security” and had criticized the presence of the aircraft.
Borissov questioned why the governing majority is now insisting that parliament approve the deployment, despite controlling 131 seats in the National Assembly. “They can change the rules, they can pass whatever they want on their own, yet now they suddenly say parliament must decide,” he said, accusing the government of trying to distance itself from responsibility.
He also compared the previous and current US requests, arguing that the earlier diplomatic note stated the aircraft would be in Bulgaria for “training and exercises,” while the latest request openly refers to support for operations in the Middle East. Borissov questioned why officials previously described the aircraft as a threat when they were stationed at Sofia Airport but now argue they pose no danger if based at Bezmer.
