site.btaProgressive Bulgaria Leader Radev Urges Mass Vote to Oust Status Quo

Progressive Bulgaria coalition leader Rumen Radev on Tuesday urged voters in Asenovgrad to reclaim Bulgaria, oust the mafia and oligarchic interests, and clear the way for the country’s democratic, modern European development.

Addressing residents and visitors, Radev said a strong turnout on Sunday could sweep GERB leader Boyko Borissov, MRF Chair and MRF–New Beginning Floor Leader Delyan Peevski, and what he described as the parties of the status quo off the political stage.

He said that would be possible only if people turn out in large numbers to vote on Sunday. He added that the elections in Hungary had shown that no government can withstand a mass vote and that if 80% of Bulgarians cast ballots, Borissov, Peevski and the parties of the status quo would be pushed off the political stage.

“What you are doing today, with so many free people gathered in Asenovgrad square, is hugely important. You are showing that we have won the most important battle: Bulgaria is emerging from apathy and breaking the chains of fear,” Radev said. He added that in many places people are afraid to voice their political preferences and opinions. “We are putting an end to that. This is the greatest achievement of this campaign. Bulgaria is freeing itself from fear, and the future belongs to free, brave people,” he said.

Radev said that in the 52nd National Assembly, the coalition would pursue its programme to dismantle what he called the kleptocratic oligarchic model, restore justice, elect a new judicial council to appoint a legitimate Prosecutor General, and review key public procurement contracts. He added that the coalition would take a series of steps to restore the rule of law, spur the economy, support small and medium-sized businesses, and ensure decent incomes, a European standard of living and quality of life.