According to former prime minister Ivan Kostov, the constructive protest that provides an alternative can be successful. Kostov participated in a talk "The Power of Civil Action", organized by the Student Diplomatic Club and the "Politics" club at Sofia University.
In front of the packed auditorium, former prime minister Ivan Kostov explained that the denialist protest can achieve a moral victory, but lose politically and allow the status quo to become stronger.
"Only constructive protest can cause successful change. Because it has the potential to make parties and authorities implement it. This is key.", said Kostov.
He recalled the protests of 1996-1997. The severe economic crisis that gave rise to discontent and gave the opportunity not only to the protesters, but also to the politicians to offer an alternative and a way out, which led to the success of the protest.
"Holding early elections to get out of the political crisis. Introducing a currency board to stop hyperinflation and stabilize the leva, third - accelerated privatization and structural and economic reforms and fourth - taking the path to membership in NATO and the EU.", he recalled.
According to Kostov, the situation is now much different. There is no economic and financial crisis that would worry people and be an occasion to propose a solution and a goal.
"With this high employment in the country, the situation cannot get worse, moreover, I share the expectations that Bulgaria's entry into the eurozone will attract additional investments in the country. And the entry of additional investments will create new jobs. Jobs that create low added value can no longer be created, because the labor force itself in Bulgaria has become much more expensive.", said Kostov.
For this reason, today we need another goal that can be explained in an accessible way and recognized by the civic energy.
"The alternative is not personnel changes and the appointment of the right people to the appropriate positions, as many think. This has been tried many times and the result is deplorable. The only alternative is the rule of law. The rule of law. The reform of the judiciary.", the former prime minister believes.
According to Kostov, the most difficult thing for parties and politicians today is to offer an alternative that people can understand.