We suffered a heavy loss in the elections for the 50th National Assembly and for the European Parliament. I take responsibility for these catastrophic results and submit my resignation to each and every one of you - those who elected me as your chairman and the only ones who have the right to receive it. I hope that this will stop all lies and interpretations of known and unknown paid analysts who have no idea about the rules and Statute of the BSP, but comment on my "untrue" resignation around the clock. I will not participate in the work of the Executive Bureau and the National Council of the BSP, in order to avoid any suggestions of my interference in the decisions of the collective bodies of the party. I will focus on my work in parliament, where I will defend your interests, as I have always done.
This is stated in an open letter from BSP leader Cornelia Ninova to the rank-and-file members of the party, the left's press center reports. Here is more from Ninova's letter:
Dear comrades, we have gone through many battles and trials together. Thank you for your support, work, love and dedication over the past years. I have made mistakes, but I have never betrayed you or sold out the BSP, despite everything I have been subjected to. I dedicated eight years to cleansing the party of clientelism, addictions and its use for the accumulation of personal wealth and privileges. We are the only ones left who are not affected by the backstage, the "deep state" and the mafia cannot dictate what we should do.
Now I want to warn you: We have difficult months ahead. Less than 24 hours had passed since my resignation and the bidding for the BSP began. Statements were heard that represent a retreat from our long-standing positions. And you should know that the door to our fortress will not be broken down from the outside, but will be opened from the inside. I know you: you are real, worthy and honest people. You, the members, are the strength of the party, not its elite. Do not let them take away your most democratic right to directly elect a chairman! Do not let them secretly decide somewhere and install a dependent and convenient person at the helm! You are on the move! Do not give the party to the merchants! Do not let money kill our values!
Please accept my resignation. Please accept my deepest respect for you. Stay healthy! Have faith and never give up. Now rest in August and gather strength for September. It will be an interesting month!