The subject of bargaining in the SOS are people without a clear ideology. The limits were crossed, I had no other way out but to leave the BSP group. In order not to annoy their partners from GERB, my colleagues are ready to lose me. This is how municipal councilor Vanya Grigorova commented on her withdrawal from the socialist group in the Sofia Municipal Council in the studio of "Na fokus".
In her words, the new leadership of „Metropolitan“ is not well received by the employees, as he behaves arrogantly, insults and threatens.
“I didn't want to make a circus with my departure, so I simply announced at a briefing that I was withdrawing from the group - so that it would be clear to what extent someone could hold me responsible for the actions of the group in question from now on. With the BSP, we should be like-minded - to go in the same direction. There should also be dignity that should not be the subject of unyielding bargaining. Some boundaries were crossed and I was left with no other option but to leave. My decision was not emotional. There were a number of cases in which I disagreed with Mr. Takov (editor's note: chairman of the BSP - Sofia and of the group of the Local Coalition "BSP for Bulgaria" in the Sofia Municipal Council), the reshuffle in “Metropolitan“ is not the reason, but the occasion for me to leave. He was at GERB headquarters just before the state allocated 15 million for transport in Sofia,” Grigorova pointed out.
According to her, a non-partisan municipal councilor changed his vote on the return of Prof. Bratoev to the head of “Metropolitan“ after a rebuke from GERB.
“There are other forces that influence the decisions of some municipal councilors, and they are not their conscience. There was not a single argument for the removal of Bratoev, Nikolay Naydenov demonstrated that he is unprofessional regarding the management of “Metropolitan“. There would be no BSP group in the SOS without me. There is no doubt that a coalition is needed to have a serious result, but it was a pro forma for the elections. I will participate in situational majorities. Where there are thinking people, I will find like-minded people", noted Grigorova.
"If Rumen Radev makes a political project and it is in the direction in which I am working, we can talk. However, I do not see a chance for him to do anything. These are suggestions", is how she commented on the possibility of joining a possible project of the president.
🗣️ Non-partisan position
Grigorova emphasizes that she does not represent a party – but a civil platform – and criticizes the behavior of PP–DB–Spasi Sofia for “extremely infantile” practices such as turning off the lights outside during a meeting
Financing and bureaucracy
Systematically alerts about delayed contracts and outstanding payments – for example, to hospitals and NGOs in the health sector, describing it as a “boycott“ of the work of the SOS.
Transport and night public transport
Proposed the suspension of two night lines and the limitation of the others, which led to a conflict with the PP–DB–SS due to accusations of lobbying for taxi companies
Bonuses and allowances
Criticized the decision of the SOS not to allocate 3.3 million leva in bonuses for drivers – defining this as “sabotage&rdash; by the ruling party
Political ambitions and independence
Announced her unwillingness to be part of a left-wing coalition or on the BSP lists for parliamentary elections, after a clash with the party leadership and the refusal of Cornelia Ninova. Later founded the coalition "Solidarity Bulgaria" in April 2024, but did not participate in the elections, driven by personal and civic motives.
🏛️ Leaving the SOS
Her leaving is a form of protest against "pre-election maneuvers" and blocking real decisions in the SOS. It represents a personal position against party dominance, lobbying practices and lack of accountability to citizens. It symbolizes the pursuit of budget transparency, health policies, justice for public servants and civic independence.