“If we can import doctors for $500, why not MPs for 500 leva?” — President Radev’s sharp retort to Toshko Yordanov

In a declaration, MPs from the We Continue the Change–Democratic Bulgaria (PP–DB) coalition called for Toshko Yordanov, the chair of the Culture Committee and an MP from There Is Such a People, to resign. This followed his controversial comments about demands from medical residents and students for better working conditions.

Speaking at a session of the Parliamentary Health Committee, Yordanov said: 'If you don’t like it here, we will be forced to bring in specialists from other countries who will happily work for $500, which is all that the state can afford.' He later apologised, claiming that his words had been taken out of context.

When asked by journalists about Yordanov’s remarks, which had sparked public outrage, President Radev commented that the irresponsible language used from the parliamentary podium has extended into how Bulgarian citizens and young people are spoken to. He stated: "I do not find it normal because, by that logic, we might as well import MPs for 500 leva. Perhaps they would be more responsible and engaged with Bulgaria’s youth.'