"GERB's partnership with BSP at the municipal and national levels began thanks to me. The professionalism of Stoyan Bratoev or my opinion cannot be ignored. Ivan Takov (chairman of the BSP group in the SOS) did not expect that I would not back down."
This is how Vanya Grigorova explained to the Bulgarian National Radio some of her motivation last week for announcing that she was becoming an independent municipal councilor. We remind you that Grigorova was a candidate for mayor of Sofia and achieved a result that was competitive with the winner.
"It is not stupid to enter politics with rose-colored glasses. You never lose faith that you will find like-minded people. You look for an environment in which you feel understood and supported. My rose-colored glasses fell about a month and a half - two, when it became clear that what we had agreed on in the municipal group did not matter."
According to Grigorova, the first time the head of "Metropolitan" Stoyan Bratoev was returned, it happened thanks to her insistence.
Now, however, they have decided to replace him in order to get their hands on the millions that will pass through the company in connection with the expansion of the Sofia metro.
The new executive director of the company, Nikolay Naydenov, foresees a 150% increase in the administration's staff, Grigorova noted.
"From 2,042 people now, by the end of the year, the staff is proposed to grow to 2,150. Most likely, close associates of certain circles will be appointed."
Vanya Grigorova recalled that next week, the budget of the Sofia Municipality for 2025 is due to be adopted.
"This budget had to be changed, it could not remain as Mayor Vasil Terziev and Deputy Mayor Ivan Vassilev submitted it. In her opinion, the mayor should have returned it immediately. The delay in the budget means a delay in the increased salaries in many municipal sectors and structures."
According to the independent advisor, currently with the additional 15 million, state funds for Sofia's public transport are 121 million. The municipality gives more - 158 million leva. The financing should be 50:50 with the state.