Peevski, Borisov Security Lapse: ITN Car Retrieval Attempt
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- (Image: A representative image of the Bulgarian Parliament building or the NSO headquarters.
- What: Significant changes to the Bulgarian National Security Service (NSO), including the removal of state protection for prominent political figures Boyko Borisov and Delyan Peevski.
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Bulgaria’s National Security Service (NSO) Undergoes Major changes: Borisov and Peevski Loose Protection, Civilian Staff to Expand
Table of Contents
Published: October 26, 2023 (Adjust as needed)
Last Updated: October 26, 2023 (Adjust as needed)
(Image: A representative image of the Bulgarian Parliament building or the NSO headquarters. Ensure proper licensing.)
At a Glance
- What: Significant changes to the Bulgarian National Security Service (NSO), including the removal of state protection for prominent political figures Boyko Borisov and Delyan Peevski.
- Where: Bulgarian Parliament, Sofia, Bulgaria
- When: voted on and approved by the internal committee of the Bulgarian Parliament on October 26, 2023.
- Why it Matters: This decision reflects a shift in political dynamics and a response to public demands for accountability and reduced state spending on security for individuals. It also raises questions about the future role and structure of the NSO.
- What’s Next: The bill will proceed to a second reading, where GERB has indicated they will propose amendments. The NSO’s future structure and the expansion of its civilian staff are key areas to watch.
What Happened: Removal of Protection for Borisov and Peevski
In a unanimous vote by the internal committee of the Bulgarian Parliament, the state-provided security detail for Boyko Borisov (leader of GERB) and Delyan Peevski (leader of DPS – New Beginning) was revoked. This decision, proposed by the PP-DB coalition, marks a significant moment in Bulgarian politics. Both Borisov and peevski had previously enjoyed continuous protection from the NSO.
Peevski had preemptively declared his willingness to relinquish NSO protection,dismissing calls for it as ”populism.” He highlighted the regular six-month assessments conducted by an interdepartmental commission to determine the necessity of such security and stated he had requested a review of his own case. He also cautioned against “frivolous” attempts to leave representatives without security.
Why This Matters: Political Context and Public Pressure
The move to remove protection for Borisov and Peevski is rooted in a complex political landscape and growing public discontent. For years,the NSO’s extensive protection detail for high-profile figures has been a subject of scrutiny,especially regarding cost and perceived preferential treatment.
The decision directly addresses demands made by protestors who convened on Thursday, October 26th, calling for changes to the NSO’s operations.PP-DB has repeatedly attempted to amend the law on NSO to limit protection to only the Speaker of the National Assembly, though previous attempts have failed. This latest vote represents a breakthrough, albeit one that may be subject to further modification.
The NSO’s Future: Expansion of Civilian Staff and Structural Changes
Beyond the removal of protection for specific individuals, the changes to the NSO also include a planned expansion of its civilian staff, increasing their composition to 10% of the service. This suggests a potential shift in the NSO’s focus, potentially towards more administrative and analytical roles.
The leader of the DPS, Delyan Peevski, announced he would be relocating from office 222A – a historically significant space within the Parliament building, described as a “museum of the assembly” – to other offices provided to the party, preserving 222A for its past value.
Editor’s Analysis
– robertmitchell
This decision is a clear signal of changing power dynamics in Bulgaria. The unanimous vote, even with support from GERB, demonstrates a broad consensus that the previous level of NSO protection for Borisov and Peevski was unsustainable and politically untenable. However, GERB’s indication of planned amendments before the second reading suggests they intend to safeguard the NSO’s overall function and prevent its dismantling. The expansion of civilian staff is a particularly interesting progress, hinting at a potential restructuring of the service to prioritize intelligence gathering and analysis over physical protection. The long-term impact of these changes on Bulgaria’s security landscape remains to be seen.
Legal Framework and Previous Attempts at Reform
The Law on NSO has been