Paulina SHISHKOVA, social anthropologist
I think there is no one in Bulgaria who expects a different political picture after the elections than the current one. GERD leads (maybe significantly this time). Followed by Vazrazhdane, DPS, PPDB, BSP, ITN. Neither new ones come in, nor old ones fall away. Again no pre-election debates, again no new ideas, concepts, even chimeras. Known parties, known party members. These are the eternally stagnant parliamentary and old extra-parliamentary parties, which again will not change their status and will not cross the barrier to entry. And they may not want to...
What are the reasons for no news?
First, our society wants stability and predictability. He doesn't want excitement, unpleasant emotions, changing the stereotype, the salad and the brandy. Wants income, low prices, more vacations to travel to Greece (ah, the sea). Who offers him this? GERD and DPS. They not only declare it, but also prove it for 15 years. PPDB bothers us with reforms – in healthcare, the judiciary, education. Enough already! Enough! They are worthless, as the poet would exclaim.
Second, the social influence of the media, social networks, leaders. Various recordings, videos, and photos are constantly coming out that show how much the leaders of the parties, who are hungry for reforms, are not wealthy, ugly, immoral. It doesn't matter if that's true. People only accept what they see and hear. Especially on TV. There is no time to think whether someone is manipulating them or not. For GERB and DPS, as well as for the other parliamentary parties, only neat and perfumed videos and photos are released.
Thirdly, Bulgarians are nostalgic for the time when they knew nothing and did not care. They want to live like they did years ago – with a little, but calmly. When they didn't have to think and make their own decisions and show initiative. People rely on the brains in GERB and DPS on energy issues, on low bread prices and high salaries and pensions, which are generously promised to them.
Fourth, there is currently no new product available at the polling booth. The old mucins again. There is no alternative. It is better to choose then the familiar GERB and DPS. And maybe Vazrazhdane, BSP and ITN, because we know them too and know that they are not dangerous, but harmless. There are not even new beauties and handsome men to at least tear our eyes.
Fifth, in these uncertain times people feel fear – fear of viruses, vaccines, storms, hail, heat, lack of food. Therefore, it is preferred that no changes occur. Bulgarians don't want to leave NATO and the EU, but they don't want the euro either. In these uncertain times, it is good to humble ourselves and not make any changes. Who promises that nothing will touch the swamp we live in? GERD and DPS. Unlike the BSP and Vazrazhdane, they don't even dare to look east, lest they be suspected of treason.
Sixth, the culture, language, appearance of the activists of GERB and DPS (costumed, trimmed, bathed, well guarded) inspire voters with confidence and calmness for the coming days.
So, dear compatriots, be calm, nothing new awaits you. Reform every forget...