site.btaBSP Leader Zarkov: Trust in Party Is Returning by the Day

Trust in the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) has been increasing by the day and week following the party congress at which a new leadership was elected, BSP leader Krum Zarkov said at a meeting with party members and voters in Montana, Northwestern Bulgaria, on Sunday.

"These elections are the first step towards restoring the party and the left to a leading position," Zarkov said. He added that both he and the new leadership need time to return the party and the socialist idea to their rightful place at the forefront of political life, as a force strong enough either to govern or at least to guarantee governance. "The calling of a Bulgarian socialist is to govern, not merely to survive," he said.

According to Zarkov, the first step in rebuilding trust is achieving a strong result in the April 19 snap elections. The next steps include the presidential election in November 2026 and the local elections in October 2027. He called on party members and supporters to reach out to relatives, friends and those who have become disillusioned, to convince them that it is worthwhile to vote for BSP and the left.

Zarkov noted that three weeks ago pollsters were giving the BSP - United Left coalition 1.9%-2% support, while current estimates place it at 3.9%-4%. At this rate, support could reach 5.9%-6% within two weeks, he said. He cautioned, however, that this would only be possible if socialists avoid two key mistakes: believing the job is already done, or giving up.