What should we expect in and from the BSP, since Cornelia Ninova is no longer the chairman… Boyko Borisov allowed himself to extend his hand, but… Socialist Krum Donchev, who was expelled from the party by the new leadership, spoke to FAKTI.
- Mr. Donchev, can we talk about the “era“ in the past tense? Ninova in BSP?
- In my opinion, definitely yes, but it is more correct to talk not about the “era”, but about policy Ninova. At the moment, we are observing a completely liberated politician in the person of Kornelia Ninova, a politician who, as the chairman of the BSP, tried to protect the party and push it forward, keeping the secrets of intra-party dependencies. Keeping such secrets in the name of the party is a burden for any politician. I am personally glad that this burden has fallen from Nineveh. I claim that a strong politician is one who has no addictions, has no qualms about appearing before the public and without any fear of telling the citizens the truth. That's exactly what Ninova started doing after her exclusion. This makes me think she has a bright political future ahead of her. Of course, this is a matter of her personal choice, but judging by the huge support she receives from the members and supporters of the party and outside, I believe that Ninova will continue her political path. After all, he is one of Bulgaria's strong parliamentarians.
- Boyko Borisov reached out to the BSP for leadership. And this happens after Cornelia Ninova is no longer there. Will it happen…
- In the past, we have always opposed GERB's management model. We have many decisions of the collective bodies of the party that are against governing together with the GERB, as there are fundamental ideological and political differences between us. We are traditionally against the corporate and neoliberal model of governance, and we have always stated that our priorities are focused solely on the national interest, which is geopolitically at odds with any foreign pilgrimage policy.
In the event that the BSP enters the next parliament, which I have worrying doubts about, unfortunately,
we will notice a sharp turn of the party, from which few of the BSP will be taxed, and the socialists, members and sympathizers will simply be lied to.
I think BSP is losing its leftist identity day by day, which is very unfortunate.
- The court listed Atanas Zafirov as representing the party. What's next for you in the party?
- The very fact that the court contradicts its decision on the same case, again concerning the BSP from 2022, only proves the thesis that the BSP is already a captured party.
Or rather, the top in BSP management has been captured.
As for what lies ahead for me in the party, I will leave this matter and its decision to the BSP members and sympathizers, whose interests I have always protected.
- Is the saga of who will organize the lists in the BSP already over?
- There has never been a saga on this issue, as the Party Statute is categorical - the names of the candidates are proposed by the party organizations, and the National Council arranges the leaders and the rest of the lists. It is shameful to claim that anyone ever wanted to be on the lists. Parliamentarianism is a serious activity that requires professional and prepared staff devoted to law, finance, economics, etc. Until we see a similar approach from all parties, we will continue to watch from the current parliamentary travesty.
Today, with the ringing of the school bell, is a very important day for Bulgarian children and Bulgarian families. A few days ago, information appeared in the media that the cost of the first lak per family is between BGN 300 and BGN 500. It is clear to everyone that young parents experience serious financial difficulties in raising their children - here I would even say our children, our Bulgarian children. Instead of the people's representatives engaging us in pointless fights, it would be better if they voted for a one-time aid for every first lac of 500 BGN. Such a measure is not populism, but will prevent the initial financial stress for their families.
Yes, many people are in need, but here we are talking about our children, about their future and education. Similar approaches are concrete measures in relation to the country's demographic crisis. I cannot accept that we are spending insane amounts of money on fruitless elections, from which absolutely nothing comes, and for our children there will be no money. My advice to the politicians is specific - to vote for this aid before the parliament went on pre-election vacation.
- You appeal your exclusion to the party court. When will there be a decision?
- Yes, I am appealing it, as I was expelled without a quorum and without reasons. The quorum, of course, is unprovable, but the motives must become clear to the Bulgarian society. I have no idea when the decision will come out.
- Will the party split after Ninova's supporters leave the BSP?
- In this situation, it is not only the supporters of Ninova who leave the ranks of the BSP, but all those socialists and left-wing people who realize that there are currently processes of depersonalization of the BSP as the direct bearer of the left in Bulgaria.
- Krum Donchev expelled from the BSP organization in Oborishte to become a member of the BSP in Triaditsa. Why and how did it happen?
- I have never been expelled from Oborishte. On August 27, 2024, I myself submitted an application for relocation from “Oborishte” in “Triadica“. This is a completely normal process in party life. My former organization in “Oborishte“ changed its appearance from ideological-constructive analyzes to intra-party warriors. This is why I am changing my membership. But in any case, this is of no consequence, as the National Council subsequently expelled me from the party - again, I would like to repeat, without any reasons. The BSP must show the reasons for my exclusion of Bulgarian citizens, because otherwise the party's dignity will go down the drain, along with the faces of the people who did it.