site.btaContinue the Change Leader Slams Opponents over Economic Platforms

The leader of Continue the Change, Assen Vassilev, slammed his main opponents’ economic proposals as inadequate for the looming crisis. Speaking on The Day with Veselin Dremdzhiev programme and quoted by his party’s press office, he commented on a Tuesday debate on party economic platforms (moderated by Maria Tsantsarova).

Vassilev said GERB’s approach amounts to austerity - a thin-pizza policy of freezing incomes and leaving people to cope alone. He also criticized BSP’s proposed progressive tax, arguing it would unevenly shift the burden. He expressed particular surprise at Progressive Bulgaria, saying its proposals were even more restrictive than GERB’s. He described their ideas—targeted aid for select groups and businesses, limited energy support, and deficit cuts to fight oligarchy - as inconsistent and overly right-wing.

He also criticized Rumen Radev’s economic outlook as flawed and misaligned with Bulgaria’s priorities. Vassilev stressed that Bulgaria’s future depends on a strong Europe and should focus on strengthening it, rather than acting as a "Trojan horse" maintaining ties with Moscow and Vladimir Putin.

On Hungary, he said it offers a clear lesson: "cheap" Russian energy comes at a high cost. He argued Viktor Orban’s policies made Hungary one of Europe’s poorest countries, and voters ultimately held him accountable—showing change is possible with strong turnout.

Vassilev warned Bulgaria must be ready for new energy and inflation shocks with a broad anti-crisis package: capped electricity prices for businesses, faster updates to pensions and incomes, and strong support for families.

On judicial reform, he insisted it must come first, calling for a new Supreme Judicial Council, a new prosecutor, limits on the chief prosecutor, and real accountability—requiring 160 MPs, excluding GERB and MRF, before forming a government.