site.btaContinue the Change Leader Vassilev Calls for Rule-Based Governance During Visit to Kardzhali

Assen Vassilev, leader of Continue the Change (CC) party, said during a meeting with supporters here on Friday that Bulgaria cannot become a normal country while decisions are made through “phone calls” rather than by observing the law.

Vassilev emphasized the need to appoint politically neutral leadership in the coming months to ensure the second round of payments under the Recovery and Resilience Plan. He noted that failure to do so could halt future payments. Highlighting past successes, he said the plan has enabled Bulgaria to acquire medical helicopters, filling a previous gap in the country’s emergency services.

Commenting on local developments, Vassilev praised Kardzhali for benefiting from the 2024 municipal program, but criticized irregular payments made to other municipalities, describing them as politically motivated rather than legal.

Vassilev also referenced the so-called Revival Process [forced assimilation of Bulgaria’s Muslim minority during the communist period], noting that while recently some attempts were made to divide Christians and Muslims, these efforts failed. He highlighted public protests on December 10, saying the turnout reflected citizens’ desire to live without fear, corruption, or intimidation.

During his visit, Vassilev was accompanied by MPs Nikolay Denkov and Aylin Pehlivanova. Residents asked about economic development and the future of the younger generation. Representatives of other political parties also attended and posed questions.

After the meeting, Vassilev and his colleagues planned to visit the Turkan fountain in Mogilyane to honor the victims of the Revival Process and mark the 41st anniversary of the December events.