Councilmember meets with Bulgarian pols

Councilmember Dan Halloran and Bulgaria’s conservative party met for a week of talks over seas discussing the increasing problem of government corruption in Bulgaria.
Halloran visited and lectured local party leaders in the cities of Olvech, Ruse, Sandanski, Pleven and the capital city of Sofia and spoke at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.
“In New York, I’ve fought against politicians and bureaucrats that want government to be everything to everyone, and I’ve railed against corruption and inefficiency in government,” said Halloran. “Here in Bulgaria, the Order, Law and Justice party is fighting that same fight. Reformers can make a real difference, but only if we work together.”
According to Steven Stites, spokesperson of Halloran, Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Boyko Borisssov, is accused of having ties to the mafia and unsolved murder cases. Additionally, Halloran has discovered that American ambassadors are playing favorites with the Prime Minister and will look the other way at the sight of corruption.
“A majority of the people have no idea who their leaders are,” said Stites. “The Councilmember has worked very hard on reform and transparency issues.”
According to The Christian Science Monitor, Bulgarian judges are on trial for bribery and ties to organized crime. Former defense minister Nikolai Tsonev, Judge Peter Santirov and the former chief of secretary of treasury Tencho Popov were on trial on November 23 at Sofia City Court in Bulgaria.
Order, Law and Justice – the fifth largest political party in Bulgaria – has been fighting to put a stop to government corruption and has made a name for itself by exposing government officials who are involved in criminal activities.
“I am honored to visit Bulgaria and help Order, Law and Justice achieve real reform in their country,” said Halloran. “Just 20 years ago, Bulgaria was ruled by a vicious communist dictatorship. Today, it is a growing young democracy. With strong leadership, Bulgaria can continue to grow and remain an ally of the United States.”