GERB leader Borissov distances himself from former Finance Minister Goranov, sanctioned under Magnitsky Act

GERB leader Boyko Borissov commented the US sanctions imposed on Bulgarian officials under the Global Magnitsky Act. Former MP and finance minister in two GERB governments Vladislav Goranov was put on the list of sanctioned Bulgarians on Friday.

"He was dismissed as minister and MP back then and he is not part of any party lists. That's as much as we can distance ourselves. If there is evidence, then there are bodies that can investigate," Borissov said. 

"We have not received a single penny from gambling mogul Vassil Bojkov," Borissov said. 

Vassil Bojkov was sanctioned by the US in June of 2021. He is also facing a number of charges in Bulgaria and has fled the country to UAE and avoided Bulgaria's attempt to have him extradited. Bojkov claims he paid Goranov and Borissov millions in return of getting a favourable treatment for his businesses. Goranov and Borissov deny the allegations.

Borissov was in Stara Zagora, where he announced Zhivko Todorov as GERB's candidate in the upcoming local elections this fall.