Rumen Radev: In times of crises, wars and insecurity we cannot afford to neglect the Bulgarian Army

"Recently, we started to get used to the frequent change of governments and parliaments, but in times of crises, wars and insecurity we cannot afford to get used to neglecting the Bulgarian Army, where the modernization processes and personnel care are making slow progress", President Rumen Radev told journalists after the water blessing of the military colours at St. Alexander Nevski Square.

Bulgaria’s head of state recalled that it took the current parliament nearly a year to adopt the investment program for modernization developed by the caretaker cabinet of Galab Donev. However, he welcomed the decision to increase the salaries of the servicemen which, is "an important but insufficient measure". "A comprehensive package of measures is needed to restore the attractiveness of the military profession", Rumen Radev believes.

''Our army has always been the pillar of our statehood and of our nation during the worst ordeals. I wish all servicemen and servicewomen the best of health and strength in their responsible mission", President Radev said.

Dimitar Glavchev: Bulgaria has had, has and will have great warriors

"Very few countries in the EU and NATO spend more than 2% of their GDP on armament and defence. We are getting closer, we are catching up", Caretaker Premier Dimitar Glavchev said in response to President Rumen Radev's call for increased defence spending.