Interview: Christian Dorer
Bulgaria is the poorest and most corrupt country in the EU. Its population is shrinking because many seek their fortune abroad. Bulgaria benefits from the Swiss cohesion billion and, as one of the 27 EU countries, has just as much a say as all the other members about how things will go after the framework agreement has ended. Blick met Prime Minister Stefan Yanev (61) in his pompous office in the middle of Sofia – the palace-like building is a relic from the Soviet era. Yanew was a brigadier general and leads the country on a transitional basis until the next elections. He is neutral, direct and precise, just like a general.
Blick: You were a general and are now a politician. What is the difference?
Stefan Yanev: Clear rules apply in the military. As a general, I could give orders. In politics, I have to win people over with arguments, and it has to be that way.
Why is Bulgaria the most corrupt country in the EU?
Unfortunately you are right. Just a few weeks ago, the US government sanctioned certain people and companies in Bulgaria – further evidence that things are not going well. People are aware that corruption has been a big problem for years. What is the reason? Many politicians do nothing about it, and even when the media exposes grievances, the prosecution is often inactive. In Bulgaria neither politicians nor business people are imprisoned for corruption, although some deserve it.
What has to change?
Two things. First, it needs a clear message from voters that they want people in politics who are not focused on their personal gain. Second, legislative reforms are needed so that prosecutors and courts can work more effectively.
What are you doing as prime minister?
The main task of my caretaker government is to organize the next elections and to run the country well. It is difficult for me to contribute anything meaningful in such a short time. In my speeches I try to convince people to exercise their democratic rights.
Are the EU funding counterproductive because it feeds the corrupt system?
We are very grateful for this money. At first, the Bulgarians thought that the Europeans would care about how the money was used. Then it turned out that each country is responsible for it. Indeed, today many believe that European money has not been well spent and corruption has occurred.
The interview in English: “The United States of Europe is not feasible”(55:58)
Wouldn’t it be up to the EU to ensure that its money does not end up in corruption?
This is not a problem that the EU can solve. We have to make sure that our systems work properly.
Bulgaria had nine million inhabitants in the 1980s, now there are seven and in thirty years from now there will be a good five. Why is your country shrinking?
Many are looking for a better job abroad. Bulgaria is losing a lot of talent, which is very worrying. We need to rebuild the economy so that we can pay better salaries. After all, the IT industry is doing very well, there are many start-ups in this area. However, this sector is growing so rapidly that there will be too few skilled workers in a few years’ time.
Have EU accession and the free movement of people increased the trend towards emigration?
Definitely to a certain extent. Many Bulgarians went to Europe in search of a better job. That is why we have to support companies in investing their money in such a way that better and more jobs are created in the country. Politicians need to focus on job creation.
Bulgarian doctors emigrate to Germany, German doctors to Switzerland – thank you very much for financing our medical training!
Welcome to the free economy! That’s the way it is. The average age of nurses in northern Bulgaria is increasing steadily. They have to keep working after they retire because the young people are emigrating.
Would Switzerland have to pay for a well-trained workforce?
No. Unless there is a bilateral agreement that provides for this. It’s okay for young people to spend a few years abroad. But we have to create better conditions so that these people want to return and start a family here.
How important was the first cohesion billion that Switzerland paid for the new EU countries in Eastern Europe and thus also for Bulgaria?
Switzerland is surrounded by the EU and works closely with it. She supported the European idea with the cohesion money. The new members have benefited from this – including Bulgaria with almost 80 million euros. This money was invested in a program for the development of various branches of the economy and in the dual education system.
Our Parliament is discussing a further cohesion payment, which is, however, controversial. Do you understand the critical voices?
There are critical voices in every country. What is certain is that the Eastern European countries need further support in order to improve infrastructure and the investment environment. Swiss money helps us a lot, but of course we have to use it sensibly.
Will you support our country after the end of the framework agreement so that there is a solution with the EU?
That’s a tricky question. Of course, I am aware that the negotiations have been broken off. Both parties have their own view of the framework agreement. A solution is possible and desirable, it simply has to take into account the interests of both sides.
Where should the EU develop: in the direction of more autonomy for each country or in the direction of the United States of Europe?
The United States of Europe is not feasible, even if many Bulgarians would like it to be different. They would like the Bulgarian Parliament to be monitored better from outside. But that won’t happen. A common European army and common legislation would be needed. An impossible mission!
Aren’t the values just too different? Current example: Viktor Orban’s new Hungarian anti-homosexual law. How do you feel about it?
Orban probably does what the Hungarian people want him to do. Bulgaria is a tolerant country: everyone can live here as they want. However, I find that you don’t always have to take private things outside.
Stefan Yanev (61) has a career as an officer in the Bulgarian army and has been Prime Minister since May – but only for a limited period because no party was able to form a government after the elections. Yanev has been charged with holding fair elections on July 11th. The former brigadier general was already deputy head of government and defense minister in the 2017 transitional government. Yanev is married and has two children.