site.btaProgressive Bulgaria Adopts Constituent Declaration to Be Formally Established as Political Party

An initiative committee has adopted a Constituent Declaration for the formal establishment of Progressive Bulgaria as a political party. The declaration was made public April 6 by the Progressive Bulgaria coalition, which was founded by former President Rumen Radev to provide organizational base for participation in the April 19 snap parliamentary elections. 

The initiative committee adopted the founding declaration for the party at a meeting in Sofia on March 25. The committee also launched a membership campaign, calling on eligible citizens to join by submitting signed declarations in line with legal requirements.

The founding document outlines concerns about corruption, institutional performance, and public trust. It states that corruption affects the economy, the judiciary, and public finances, and contributes to social inequality. It also argues that recent constitutional changes have altered the balance between institutions and limited presidential powers.

The founders vow to stand up for, and develop, democratic mechanisms and institutions; the Bulgarian position in the unions and organizations where Bulgaria is a member; protect the civil liberties enshrined in the Constitution and the laws; political pluralism and freedom of speech; the rule of law. They further promise to protect and ensure care for the children, older people, and to fight corruption. 

Among the party’s main goals are the freedom and prosperity of the Bulgarian people. The path to achieving them lies in restoring the health of Bulgaria’s democracy and establishing the rule of law, the founding declaration states. This requires actions by a legitimate parliament and a responsible government to dismantle the oligarchic model and strengthen statehood. Without such actions, any new governing arrangements and their economic and social policies will fall under behind-the-scenes influence and be doomed to fail, the initiators say.

Other goals include accelerated and sustainable economic development and financial stability; improvements in healthcare, education, defense, security, modern infrastructure, culture, and sports; as well as ensuring a dignified and active role for Bulgaria in Europe and on the global stage.