Washington, D.C. – Kiril Petkov, co-chair of Bulgaria’s We Continue the Change party and former Prime Minister, shared his experiences from Washington, where he attended the inauguration of the new U.S. President.
Invited by Republican friends, Petkov emphasized that his visit was an opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the policy direction of the world’s largest economy.
During his trip, Petkov participated in three key events that provided a closer look at the priorities of the new administration.
One of the most notable meetings was a private gathering with Republican governors, congressmen, and senators, where discussions revolved around crucial policies, including President Donald Trump’s “Drill, baby drill” energy strategy and the intensified enforcement of the Magnitsky Act.
The latter has been a point of interest for Bulgaria, as it has been used to sanction individuals linked to corruption in the country.
Petkov also attended a large-scale event at Capital One Arena, where over 12,000 Trump supporters gathered to celebrate the new administration.
He described the atmosphere as energetic and noted that the enthusiasm of ordinary Americans from heartland states would be a driving force behind Trump’s leadership.
The highlight of the inauguration celebrations was the Freedom Ball, where numerous official guests, politicians, and business figures gathered.
Petkov, among the attendees, described the event as an essential networking opportunity, further reinforcing the importance of diplomatic engagement beyond formal political meetings.
The former Prime Minister continued his discussions the next day, engaging with both Republican and Democratic representatives to explore shared interests and policies that could benefit Bulgaria. His focus, he stated, was on practical collaboration rather than ideological divides.
However, Petkov’s participation in the inauguration did not go without controversy. Critics on social media questioned the nature of his involvement, with some alleging that he merely purchased a ticket to the event rather than being formally invited to official meetings.
Responding to these claims, Petkov dismissed the accusations, asserting that he attended at the invitation of Republican contacts and engaged in discussions with high-ranking officials.
“My participation was not just symbolic; I had the opportunity to discuss key policies with important figures,” he stated, adding that his attendance at public events, including the Freedom Ball, was part of the broader experience of engaging with the new U.S. administration.
He underscored the importance of maintaining dialogue with Washington, stating that Bulgaria’s approach to international relations should be pragmatic and based on mutual interests.
Petkov concluded his remarks with a pointed statement: “Trump came, Magnitsky remains!”—suggesting that despite changes in leadership, anti-corruption measures like the Magnitsky Act would continue to impact Bulgaria.
His visit to Washington signals an effort to maintain strong ties with the U.S. while navigating Bulgaria’s own domestic and foreign policy challenges.
Whether his engagement will translate into tangible benefits for Bulgaria remains to be seen, but Petkov’s outreach underscores the importance of fostering international relationships in an evolving geopolitical landscape.