The interim chairman of the BSP, Atanas Zafirov, believes that postponing the handing over of the first mandate is a reasonable move for the political forces to start the dialogue and find a solution.
„However, the first and second forces should be the main ones in these talks. We have declared our readiness to participate in talks to discuss the priorities of the work in the 51st National Assembly, but we realize that we only have 20 deputies, so we expect the large parliamentary groups to start the dialogue. We are ready to participate in meetings to find a solution“, he announced on BNT.
He sees the chance for regular governance in a politically supported expert and equidistant government. “The goal is to have governance and not have early elections. I would set a format not who is the mandate holder, but what is the unifying factor – in this case it could be the desire not to have early elections.“
“The coalition council has an understanding and strive to reach a final solution so that we do not have to go to new early elections. Everything else is up for discussion. The congressional decision that is being talked about is not such, but is a report by Ninova, adopted by Congress. Right now we must be guided by the state interest and the attitudes of the people who clearly told us to do everything possible to have elections. If we push the country into another spiral of early elections, without a budget, without social protection, without protection of business, we risk the foundations of democracy being shaken“, Zafirov is categorical.
When asked whether the BSP – United Left already have names ready for the prime minister of an equidistant government, he emphasized: “We are putting the cart before the horse again. In order to arrive at specific names, we must be sure that the parties have an intention to form a government. We are ready to propose names for prime minister.“
Regarding the requested immunity of Lena Borislavova, he stated: “I feel deja vu. I participated in a committee to lift Volen Siderov's immunity and then I was against it, even though I did not sympathize with him. The prosecutor's office should not become an accomplice in political processes. I say this without having familiarized myself with the specific information now. When immunities for MPs are requested, we must also have one thing in mind for the second, third and fourth plan, especially when they are in the context of ongoing negotiations to form a government. We have not discussed the case of Borislavova's immunity, but we will be precise in our decision.“
“The new chairman of the BSP will be elected on February 23. There is a debate in the party whether the direct election should remain. Before the date itself, there is a meeting of the congress where this issue can be considered. The election campaign will already be underway, a CEC has been elected, which is starting its work on establishing the eligibility of the candidates. The number is large, over 40 people have been nominated. The battle will be fair and honorable and will set a new course of development not only for the BSP, but also for the entire left“, he guarantees.