site.btaUPDATED CC–DB MP Iordanova: We Respect People's Vote, Will Take Rightful Place as Opposition, But Not Mere Bystanders

Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) MP Nadejda Iordanova in her speech at the inaugural sitting of the 52nd National Assembly, said "On behalf of the parliamentary group, I would like to state: we respect the vote of the Bulgarian people and will take our rightful place as opposition, but we will not be mere bystanders."

"We are opening the National Assembly at a time when Bulgarian society is seeking a way out of a political crisis that has lasted far too long. People do not want excuses, they want clear proof that politics can still serve the citizens, not itself," Iordanova added.

She said that the leading political force has secured a majority and can govern "with a very clear responsibility". "Citizens have entrusted power to Progressive Bulgaria, this is a mandate, above all, with a paramount task, the very one for which the protests toppled the previous government and clearly called for the dismantling of the Borissov-Peevski model," Iordanova added.

"We will be consistent in defending the rule of law. Citizens demanded an end to the model of a state under siege, to impunity, and to institutions that serve the powerful rather than the citizens," she said.

"Our opposition stance is clear: you will have our support for any measure that strengthens the rule of law, modernizes the state, and preserves Bulgaria’s European course. We will support any action that compels regulators to work in the public interest, and we will oppose any policy that replaces the fight against corruption with a new concentration of dependencies," Iordanova said.

"The top priority is justice and the fight against corruption, not as a slogan, but as daily parliamentary work. We will introduce amendments to the Judiciary Act, we will work to elect a new Supreme Judicial Council under rules that put an end to political trading over appointments and ensure that the Council is composed of professionals with authority, independence, and proven integrity," she added. "We will insist on an audit of the assets of the people at the top of the judicial system, a review of the grounds for the guarding of top officials by the National Service for Protection, full transparency in public procurement and the spending of EU funds, as well as a solution to end the war on roads," Iordanova said.

"We are fighting for a strong Bulgaria in a strong Europe, this is not a slogan, but an answer to the question where our country belongs in an increasingly uncertain world. Bulgaria has a place in a strong European Union and a strong union of democratic states. We want a state that cares for its people through functioning public systems, healthcare without out-of-pocket costs, and modern education," she added.