site.btaReformist Bloc Parties Confirm They Will Stay Together

Reformist Bloc Parties Confirm They Will Stay Together

Sofia, January 28 (BTA) - The member parties of the Reformist Bloc stated on Saturday they will stay in the coalition because it is a proven platform for right-wing unity. The statement was included in a political resolution adopted by the first congress of the Reformist Bloc.

The resolution says the coalition will work for a strong state, focusing on the sectors of security, education, healthcare, infrastructure, the rule of law, and culture. They will defend fundamental human freedoms by protecting ownership rights, entrepreneurship and market competition and fighting arbitrary administrative practices.

Peter Moskov, who leads the Bloc's campaign for the March 26 early parliamentary elections, urged the Democrats for Strong Bulgaria (DSB) party to get back into the coalition. In an address to the congress Moskov said the platform should be open to all centre-right organizations and should pursue right-wing unity. Those who left the Bloc, including the DSB, should be allowed to rejoin it, he said, noting that members of this party were present at the Reformist Bloc congress.

The ideology of the coalition should be to defend conservative values in Bulgarian politics, Moskov said.

Meglena Kuneva, leader of the Bulgaria for the Citizens Movement, spoke against left-wing government, but also against the status-quo in which a single party dictates the meaning of right-wing policies. The Reformist Bloc wants to work for the most important policies which will change the life of the nation, Kuneva said. She sees a deficit in healthcare, social affairs and education.

Union of Democratic Forces Chairman Bozhidar Loukarski said the Reformist Bloc should participate in the next government, not just for the sake of it but because rightist-minded voters want a strong right-wing government.

Bulgarian Agrarian National Union leader Nikolay Nenchev said the Bloc members should forget their selfishness and unite, including with the DSB.

Yet another call for unity in the right wing and greetings to the congress were delivered by Thorsten Geissler, head of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

The first congress of the Reformist Bloc decided that the coalition's supreme body will be a 51-member National Coordination Council. The Council decisions will require a three-quarter majority vote of those present in order to become effective. The Council may include individuals who are not necessarily members of political parties.