“BSP ministers are working very well and are achieving results. Many examples can be highlighted in each of the departments. They have difficult departments, especially regional development, the environment and waters, but also the social sphere. There are many problems in them that have lagged behind in time. Now they are being solved. People sometimes lack patience, but there is obviously progress.“ This was stated by the head of the Delegation of the Bulgarian Socialists in the European Parliament and a member of the BSP EB Kristian Vigenin to Euronews Bulgaria television. Regarding the compromises, he said that this is a difficult joint government in which each party had to make its compromises. “We need to be very careful, because in the end people will judge us both by our achievements, which are indeed serious to date, but they will also evaluate us by the political compromises we have made. Therefore, they must be carefully considered“, warned the MEP.
Christian Vigenin stated that Iliyana Yotova would be a worthy candidate for the left in the upcoming presidential elections. He rejected the interpretations in the public space of a connection between her decision to pardon Desislava Ivancheva and possible political ambitions. “I do not understand why this connection is being made between Ivancheva's pardon and a presidential candidacy. This is within the powers of the vice president, she responded to a request and made that decision“, commented Vigenin. According to him, it is too early to make predictions, but Iliana Yotova is among the figures who could win the elections.
Regarding the Anti-Corruption Commission, Vigenin called for a reasonable approach: “If we simply close this body, we will not give a good signal either internally or externally. In my opinion, the procedure should continue and the new composition of the commission should be determined. We cannot lightly say - we are closing it from tomorrow. Especially against the background of the report on the rule of law for Bulgaria, which the European Commission presented two weeks ago.“ He insisted on analysis and participation of the opposition in the future reform.
Regarding the comments about replacing the acting Prosecutor General, Kristian Vigenin is of the opinion that it is not a good sign to replace him every few months. “The process must be accelerated, the composition of the Supreme Judicial Council must be completed as quickly as possible and a Prosecutor General must be elected so that there are no doubts, because there is a risk that the actions taken in the future will be attacked in court and everything done after July 21 will turn out to be illegal“, he commented.
Vigenin does not approve of the deal concluded by Ursula von der Leyen with the US for a 15% tariff on European goods. According to him, it looks like a retreat: “I am neither satisfied with the parameters of this deal nor with the way in which it was reached. The feeling remains that the EU is simply capitulating. I am not convinced that the European Parliament will give the green light to this deal.“ The MEP believes that the EU should have shown more character and to a greater extent protected European business, European companies and its citizens.
For contact with the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the EP: https://www.socialistsanddemocrats.eu/
