The deputy chairman of GERB, Tomislav Donchev, commented in the studio of "Speak Now" on the political disputes surrounding the elections, foreign policy and economic challenges facing the country. According to him, Bulgarian politics is too focused on election technology instead of ideas and programs.
"I am from the old school. There, a politician is supposed to explain what his goals are, what his intentions are, what his program is and what he is able to do. Self-determination based on who you don't like is a very dangerous political technology," he said.
Regarding concerns about the machine vote, Donchev said that the political dispute has led to distrust of all methods of voting:
"We have reached a situation where 60% of Bulgarians do not trust the machines, and 40% do not trust paper. I repeat again - politicians must argue about ideas, they must argue about intentions and about who offers a better vision for Bulgaria."
Tomislav Donchev defended the decision for Bulgaria to participate in the international format, despite criticism of the cost:
"Another forum, another format where views can be exchanged, information can be exchanged and agreement sought. If something happens somewhere, we must participate. Naturally, by staying inside and being part of the processes, we will be able to make a much more adequate assessment."
According to him, the conflict in the Middle East will inevitably have an economic effect on Europe and Bulgaria:
"I do not support wars in principle. War is a fact and will certainly have adverse economic consequences for Europe and Bulgaria in particular, not least because of the increased prices of energy carriers."
He emphasized that measures to protect people must be directed at the most vulnerable groups:
"An adequate measure must be targeted. An old problem is that when we take measures, we give everyone, including people who can afford higher prices. The measures should be focused on the socially vulnerable.
Donchev also commented on the difficulties of coalition government:
"Coalition culture is high political aerobatics. Getting out of a joint government without damage is a difficult task. We also suffer damage, but because we are bigger, they are not felt as much."
He refused to comment on a possible partnership with the new political formation around President Rumen Radev (2017 - 2026):
"I cannot answer this question because I know nothing about Mr. Radev's party - neither candidates nor programmatic intentions. To be fair, it is not appropriate for me to comment on it."
According to Tomislav Donchev, Bulgaria must carefully use its resources and pursue a balanced policy in the transition to green energy.