In the program “Face to Face“ BSP Deputy Chairman Atanas Merdzhanov spoke about the party's mistakes, criticism of the leadership and the political goals of the left.
Merdzhanov, who has been a critic of the party's leadership for many years, explained the reasons for his position: “I have been consistent in my criticism of the leadership, especially when Kornelia Ninova was at the head of the party. But anyway, this process has been blunted, now it is time for work and all these criticisms that I have made should be turned into real steps and work.“
I was with President Radev when he was a BSP candidate. I believe very much not just of his charisma, but of his sense of policy-making, Gechev said.
He also commented on the BSP's participation in the previous government: “The decision to enter the previous government was made by this national council, which was practically elected by Kornelia Ninova. Then the Congress confirmed the decision to participate in the government, but, as we see, the results are infamous.“
Merdzhanov emphasized that the renewed leadership of the party has taken responsibility: “A new chairman of the national council, a new leader of the BSP, new leadership, renewal of the leadership through respect, but also bearing political responsibility and mistakes... I think that we are the only ones in the political spectrum who have set an example of how to act in a democratic state, in a particularly democratic party, such as the BSP.“
Regarding the party's mistakes in recent years, Merdzhanov noted: “Above all, this is the discrepancy between the declared goals, intentions and the actual behavior, when you are in opposition or when you are in power. This is especially evident during our last participation in power, as this disproportionate representation of us in the government was extremely clear. 19 deputies in the National Assembly cannot be “happy“ with 5 ministries.“
He added that this created the impression of hidden dependencies and behind-the-scenes: “Many of the government's decisions were at odds with the program goals of the BSP. The BSP is the only party that looks critically at its past.“
When asked about the judicial system, Merdzhanov said: “The first and most important thing that needs to happen is for the new National Assembly to immediately proceed to elect a new Supreme Judicial Council. And there is nothing to explain or justify with the formation of 160 national representatives.“
“I am firmly convinced that the BSP will enter the new National Assembly. I would like to note that we are appearing as a coalition with the “United Left“ and we are appearing together, convinced that we will be an influential, authoritative, serious political force in parliament, which will propose new left-wing solutions“, added Merdzhanov.
Regarding the economic challenges, Merdzhanov noted: “The price shock is hurting every Bulgarian family and we are witnessing a permanent lack of measures on the part of the government.“
Regarding potential coalitions, Merdzhanov specified: “Let us first see the results on April 19. Then, if we are invited, we will sit down and talk with every political party that has an interest in our program and platform. And if we reach some common goals, then we would orient our political behavior within the parliament.“