“A situation in which an MP inspects excise goods is not natural,” said Rumyana Bachvarova, Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister for Coalition Policy and Public Administration and Minister of Interior, speaking for bTV.

Ms Bachvarova noted the law-enforcement authorities had reacted in the proper way and had not allowed the scandal involving Ataka party leader Volen Siderov and Ataka MP Desislav Chukolov to develop.

“We expect to understand what happened after the investigation of the Prosecutor’s Office. As Minister of Interior, I find it inadmissible anyone, even an MP with immunity, attacks employees [of the ministry]. Volen Siderov has attacked a police officer,” Minister Bachvarova remarked.

The government member stated she had received letters from citizens, including 3 doctors – witnesses that insisted on a public apology from Volen Siderov.

“Everyone that was present [at the scandal that broke on the night of Friday into Saturday] presents a situation different from Siderov’s one. Let the institutions do their job and we will make an assessment afterwards,” Bachvarova noted.

She expressed her hope Siderov would give up his immunity on his own.

Rumyana Bachvarova said she had received a call from MP Desislav Chukolov at about 1:30 a.m. but had not answered it.

“A situation in which an MP inspects excise goods is not natural,” she concluded.