Български
EnglishActivists and relatives of livestock breeder Bai Riban have issued a definitive ultimatum to Prime Minister Rumen Radev to save his herd, accusing state institutions of deliberate inaction, political repression, and a refusal to implement European legislation.
Institutional Refusal to Review the Case
The case regarding Bai Riban's herd in Velingrad remains unresolved nearly 600 days after the initial euthanasia order was issued on November 25, 2024. Dr. Stoyanova explains that the Regional Directorate for Food Safety (RFSD) refuses to conduct a new assessment of the epizootic situation and perform up-to-date clinical examinations of the animals. She emphasizes that according to Article 55 of a European regulation, after such a long period has elapsed, the need for additional samples falls away, and the herd must be released immediately.
Bai Riban’s son, Mitko, has submitted an official inquiry to the RFSD in Pazardzhik, demanding an explicit, reasoned response as to whether the institution intends to execute the old order. He insists on the issuance of an individual administrative act based on the actual factual circumstances, rather than old laboratory results from an unaccredited laboratory.
Political Dependencies and Lack of Will for a Solution
The participants in the discussion express strong disappointment at the lack of reaction from Rumen Radev, who already holds the full powers of a prime minister. They believe that the refusal to resolve the issue is due to direct political interference and a reluctance to seek judicial accountability from the guilty parties. Commentators draw a parallel between the repression against livestock breeders and that against Ivelin Mihaylov and the "Historical Park", describing the authorities' actions as a coordinated attack against independent entrepreneurs.
| Target of criticism | Description of the problem according to activists |
|---|---|
| Institutions (RFSD) | Refuse a new assessment of the factual situation and violate European regulations. |
| The Prime Minister | Does not use his powers to resolve the case, covering up the political status quo. |
| Law enforcement agencies | Carry out show operations without affecting the real culprits in the high echelons of power. |
Critics accuse the government of conducting nothing but show operations while actually shielding figures like Boyko Borisov and Delyan Peevski. The government is reproached for a double standard, as it declares compliance with European requirements but in practice refuses to apply them in defense of citizens.
Civil Resistance and Need for Financial Support
The institutions have been given a 14-day deadline to come up with an official decision on the case, after which disgruntled citizens declare their readiness to move to mass protests and demand the government's resignation. Currently, the animals have been left completely without feed by the state, which provides no support whatsoever. The only real help for the herd comes from sympathizers of the "Velichie" party and entrepreneur Pavel Stoimenov.
To ensure the survival of the animals, Dr. Stoyanova calls on every Bulgarian at home and abroad to donate a symbolic amount of €10 for the purchase of feed. She warns that losing this cause would mean ultimate resignation to a slave-like status in the country and calls on society for an immediate awakening and active measures.
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