The lack of left-wing representation in parliament is a serious danger. This was stated in the studio of “The Day Begins with Georgi Lyubenov“ by the deputy chairman of the BSP Atanas Merdzhanov. According to him, the party suffered a “crushing loss“ in the last elections, and for the first time in more than three decades it remains outside the National Assembly.
Atanas Merdzhanov, deputy chairman of the BSP: “Yes, yesterday we had a serious meeting of the National Council. The responsibility, from the very beginning, was taken by the chairman of the National Council - Mr. Zarkov. Because of this, he asked for confidence from the members of the plenum. There was a very in-depth discussion, quite critical statements. But I want to emphasize that the statements were above all concerned, well-intentioned and of course, in my opinion, a truthful assessment of the situation in which the BSP is currently located was made. Yes, a crushing loss, the most severe loss. A result that threw us out of parliament for the first time, this happened to the BSP for the last 35-36 years, after the changes, the political ones. The BSP is the only former communist party that until now successfully participated in both governance and the parliamentary movement, generally speaking. Perhaps this result is logical. We could not break the political logic.“
He noted that at a meeting of the National Council an “objective and critical assessment“ of the situation was made, with the responsibility being taken by the leadership, including the chairman Krum Zarkov. According to Merdzhanov, part of the reasons for the poor result are related to the BSP's participation in the last government and the coalition with political opponents.
Atanas Merdzhanov, Deputy Chairman of the BSP: “The political situation was not properly assessed. Moreover, we entered into a coalition with our former political opponents, competitors, with whom we have waged an irreconcilable battle. How can you convince the people who vote for you that you will achieve any quality results? And this led to the logical result.“
The Deputy Chairman of the BSP emphasized that the restoration of the party will require time and serious work “on the ground“, as well as active dialogue with other left-wing formations, unions and civil organizations. On the eve of Labor Day - May 1, Merdzhanov called for unity in the left space:
Atanas Merdzhanov, Deputy - Chairman of the BSP: “We are obliged to show initiative and seek out all left-wing organizations that fight for left-wing policies, for left-wing representation. But we want to turn to the unions, to all civil left-wing organizations, without any pretensions to favor the left-wing space. We are obliged to get to know each other, to talk, to argue about policies and of course to critically monitor what is happening in the Central Government and the central government.“
Regarding the requests of “Vazrazhdane“ to represent left-wing voters, Merdzhanov stated that this is not surprising given the absence of a traditional left-wing party in parliament.
Atanas Merdzhanov, Deputy Chairman of the BSP: “We cannot be surprised, because the very fact that there is no left-wing representation in the current Bulgarian parliament is a great danger. We warned during the election campaign and long before that. But the realities are different now. Look, this claim to protect the left-wing voter does not come only from Vazrazhdane.“
Regarding relations with President Rumen Radev, Merdzhanov noted that the BSP treats the institution with respect, but it has yet to become clear what policies will be followed.
Atanas Merdzhanov, Deputy Chairman of the BSP: “This is the victorious political force. We treat it with respect and dignity. But we have yet to see what the policies will be.“