Another political earthquake shook the coalition "We Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria", after co-chair Kiril Petkov resigned, leaving a number of questions unanswered and raising doubts about pressure and a crisis of confidence. On bTV, journalist Emilia Milcheva and political scientist Stoycho Stoev analyzed the causes and possible consequences of what is happening in the party and the coalition, quoted by news.bg.
"When institutions do not act for a long time and suddenly become active, the reasons often lie in the actions themselves", Milcheva pointed out. She emphasized that corruption practices, especially at the local level, are an open secret and are used to build lasting political dependencies through public procurement.
In her words, "We continue the change" has been hit in its strongest weapon - the image of intolerance towards corruption. "They built their identity not on ideology, but on the brand of integrity", Milcheva also said.
Political scientist Stoycho Stoev described Petkov's resignation as "lonely and unusual", submitted in the absence of evidence and real accusations. He expressed doubt that it was a premeditated reaction: "It looks like crisis management under external pressure, and not as an action as a result of internal party betrayal".
Both analysts noted that what is happening could have serious electoral consequences. Milcheva spoke of "the departure of key figures" in the party and a sense of disappointment among voters. Stoev added that such scandals are often used by populist and anti-system players who "declare themselves opponents of the political elite as a whole". In this context, President Rumen Radev was also mentioned, who, according to some of the comments, could take advantage of the situation if he decides to support a new political project.
The scandal with "We continue the change" also has a local impact - especially on the government of Sofia, where support for Mayor Vasil Terziev is already cracking. "Sofia is the showcase of the coalition. If it is shaken, this will have an effect on the national image and stability," commented Milcheva.
Expectations are for additional resignations at lower levels and for increasing internal fragmentation in the coalition. The meeting of the PP National Council, scheduled for next week, could prove decisive for the future of the formation.