A few days ago, President Rumen Radev addressed the nation and stated that he would submit to the National Assembly a request to convene a referendum on the topic "for" or "against" the introduction of the euro as the official currency of Bulgaria from January 1, 2026, which prompted political parties to comment on the topic. Is the "Zhelyazkov" cabinet stable, after overcoming two votes of no confidence, and in what light does the BSP-United Left present itself as part of the government… Georgi Svilenski from "Unruly Bulgaria" speaks to FACTI.
- Mr. Svilenski, Bulgaria is facing a referendum on adopting the euro. This was announced by President Rumen Radev in an address to the nation. What kind of move is this?
- Announcing a referendum on adopting the euro is an important move because it involves citizens in a strategic decision for the future of the country. This move by President Radev is correct, but extremely late. It is also contradictory because until recently he rejected this possibility and claimed that such a referendum was impossible. As a representative of a left-wing party with a left-center orientation, I believe that such key decisions should be made with broad public support and after an objective, in-depth and informed debate on the country's readiness to adopt the euro.
- You know Krum Zarkov well, because he was part of the Bulgarian Socialist Party. He is resigning as an advisor to the president because, in his opinion, a referendum on this topic is unconstitutional. Does the presidential institution make it easier…
- Whether holding a referendum on this topic is unconstitutional or not… This can only be decided by the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Bulgaria, not Krum Zarkov. Regarding his resignation, this is his personal choice, probably aimed at his future initiatives. Over the years, many contradictory messages have come from the presidential institution. Also, during Radev's official offices, many harmful decisions were made - such as the one with the contract with “Botas“, but in this particular case I claim that the position of scheduling a referendum is correct for me.
- What is your opinion in “Unruly Bulgaria“ on adopting the euro - “for“, “against“ or…
- Our position is that there can be benefits from the eurozone, but we must also be aware of the risks - especially for people with low incomes and small businesses. This referendum must be preceded by a clear information campaign in which citizens understand how their savings, jobs and social rights will be protected. Only in this way will the choice be responsible and legitimate. That is, our position is for admission to the eurozone, but only when the institutions, people and businesses are ready to accept this challenge, and this is certainly not the date January 1, 2026.
- 100 days have passed since the government of the “Zhelyazkov“ cabinet. What's new, do you see anything new, because everyone says they're doing it for stability?
- We don't need to wait 100, 200 or 300 days of the “Zhelyazkov“ cabinet to understand that it is a continuation of the “Glavchev“ caretaker cabinet, patronized by Peevski and Borisov. What is new is that for the first time the Constitutional Court officially ruled that the elections were falsified and three parties stole votes - GERB-SDF, BSP-United Left and “DPS-New Beginning“. What is new is the BSP's entry into this disgraceful government under the pretext that they are doing it for some stability, but, in fact, stability is only in the five ministerial posts.
- Stability in the name of the eurozone. We will see the report in June, and then…. What do you expect?
- Stability, as I said, is only for the distribution of posts and public procurement. Whatever the report, it is clear to me that Bulgaria is not ready to become part of the eurozone from January 1, 2026. If this happens, it will be a decision that was taken by force, but despite the rules for admission to the eurozone. Otherwise, I expect Borisov, who is heavily dependent on Peevski, to withdraw his support from the government and to hold early elections by the end of the year.
- One MRF (Dogan's) withdrew its support for the cabinet, and the other (Peevski's) gave support. How do you see the roles of MRF today…
- It is clear to everyone that the role of MRF-New Beginning is leading and determining in decision-making both in parliament and in the government.
- From a “sanitary cordon“ against Peevski, to a hug with GERB-SDF. What is the role of BSP-United Left and ITN in the cabinet…
- Unfortunately, the leadership of the BSP-United Left has lied, betrayed and sold out its voters. Thus, from a party that fought the "Borisov" model for many years, it has become a crutch for his government and deservedly received the name BSP-New Beginning. With its actions so far, the BSP leadership has not defended either the economic or social commitments promised in the election campaign. In the adopted budget, they froze all social payments, did not recalculate the pensions of all pensioners, lowered the threshold for VAT registration, which hit small and medium-sized businesses, eliminated the VAT relief for bread and restaurateurs, etc. The only thing they supported is increasing their own salaries and the armaments budget.
- How do you view the opposition in parliament? It seems that everyone is comfortable…
- Unfortunately, the opposition seems quite divided. If they really want to overthrow this government, they must put aside their party interests and unite on a single goal, namely its overthrow. Regarding whether everyone is comfortable - I think the only person who is really comfortable with this government is Delyan Peevski.
- There were two votes of no confidence that did not go as expected. Was this just activity on the part of the opposition, or...
- In the last 35 years, only one vote of no confidence has succeeded so far. A vote of no confidence is a powerful parliamentary tool that aims not only to overthrow the government, but also to show the insolvency of the government in a given sector or in its overall policy. The two votes held so far on the topics of “foreign policy“ and “fighting corruption“ were relevant, and Bulgarian citizens understood that the government patronizes corruption and that it is quite confused about its foreign policy.
- The government of GERB-SDF, BSP-OL, ITN, but also with the participation of DPS-Novo Nachola, has decided to sell off 4400 state properties. Is this the most important thing for our country now…
- Of course, this is not the most important thing they have to do, but these people have united solely in the name of money. In this regard, the sale of state properties is always the easiest way to carry out corruption schemes, in which the state can sell off its properties cheaply, and the commissions go to several ministers plus, of course, their patrons Peevski and Borisov. Unfortunately, this practice is valid for both regular and official offices, which in the recent past allowed themselves to sell state property cheaply for the sole purpose of personal gain. Until state control bodies step into their role, this vicious practice will continue.