The idea of eliminating the possibility for MPs to use security from the National Security Service (NSS) took its first step in the National Assembly, after receiving unanimous support in the internal committee. However, the bill still has a long way to go, and the debate surrounding it has caused serious reactions in the security sphere, BNT reported.
The former director of the NSS and NSBOP, Gen. Rumen Milanov, commented in the studio of "The Day Begins" that such decisions are made under the influence of momentary political moods.
"Our national security model is often built on emotional relationships. This is not a sustainable approach," he said.
According to him, the possibility for MPs to receive security in the event of a threat is not a privilege, but a measure to guarantee the normal functioning of state power.
"If a MP is threatened, he cannot effectively fulfill his duties. That is why this practice has existed for nearly 30 years," Milanov emphasized.
The general warned that changes should not be made for the sake of specific individuals:
"For the sake of one person, changing an entire system is like hating Saint Elijah for the sake of Elijah. This is not how national security is built."
Regarding possible abuses of security by the National Security Service, Milanov admitted that such risks always exist, but according to him, the solution lies in more precise control, not in a complete ban.
"If there are abuses - we must minimize them. Security decisions are made by a commission with the participation of the National Security Agency, the National Security Service and the Ministry of Interior, based on classified information," he explained.
On the topic of costs and the number of security guards, Gen. Milanov specified that the composition depends on the specific threat.
"Usually it is a team of three or four people. Everything is strictly individual and depends on the risk," he pointed out.
The use of official cars by the National Security Service also caused a comment. According to Milanov, the service works with high-class cars, and it is also possible to provide such cars legally.
"This is not fatal for the system. The bigger problem is when showy decisions are made at the expense of security", said the former director of the NSO.
Gen. Milanov also expressed concern about the frequent changes in the legislation affecting the security services.:
"When politicians constantly mess around in a structure, this affects the organization, motivation and psyche of the employees. They are expected to be professional and ready for self-sacrifice, and this requires stability."
In his words, despite the high degree of confidentiality, the NSO remains a professional structure.
"Many things cannot be public and this is normal. "But the security sector needs resilience, analysis and reason, not decisions driven by emotions," summarized Gen. Rumen Milanov.