site.btaUPDATED Democratic Bulgaria Longest-lasting Right-wing Coalition, Will Serve as Opposition in Parliament, Leaders Say

Democratic Bulgaria (DB) is the longest-standing coalition on the Right of the political spectrum and will represent Right-wing voters while acting as the parliamentary opposition, its leaders said at the start of a national conference of the formation here on Sunday.

The meeting is discussing the coalition’s goals as a separate opposition parliamentary group in the National Assembly, as well as priorities for the presidential and local elections, the upcoming state budget, and key legislation for the country. Among those present are leaders of the parties within DB - Yes, Bulgaria and Democrats for a Strong Bulgaria (DSB), MEP Radan Kanev, as well as members of parliament and municipal councilors. 

“I will start with the end of a coalition - the Continue the Change (CC) – Democratic Bulgaria coalition - an end that came against our will and which we assess as a major political mistake,” said Yes, Bulgaria co-leader Ivaylo Mirchev at the opening of the forum. "It is a fact that CC and DB are now two separate [parliamentary] groups, but we must leave this topic behind and unite the community," he added. He said DB has a major opportunity to represent right-wing voters in parliament.

Yesterday, he said, "the Bulgarian Dugin appeared and told us we are no longer needed", referring to comments attributed to Deputy Prime Minister Ivo Hristov. He stressed that this community has always led processes in the country and looked toward the West, warning against such characterizations. 

He added that this is the longest-standing Right-wing and called for strengthening integration and ensuring DB can not only continue existing confidently but also become capable of governing the country.  

"Our task is to ensure the right things happen for the country - election of the Supreme Judicial Council, a law concerning the judiciary, and Right-wing policies in the budget," he said, adding they suspect that former prosecutor general Sotir Tsatsarov is behind Progressive Bulgaria's draft legislation concerning the judiciary. 

DB is the longest-existing coalition in Bulgaria’s right-wing space, said co-leader of Yes, Bulgaria Bozhidar Bozhanov, noting that the community cannot be described as "no longer needed" because its agenda reflects European values, increased prosperity, and decentralization of power. 

"We must become the opposition in this Parliament," said DSB leader Atanas Atanassov. He added that DB should prepare for upcoming elections, including local victories in Sofia and preparations for the presidential race. He also spoke about political confrontation with what he described as entrenched oligarchic influence. "We are facing the government of the oligarchy that has migrated," he said. 

Atanassov also criticized recent government actions, including appointments and decisions related to security services. "How can the Government's first order of business be to appoint you own bodyguard as head of the State Agency for National Security (SANS)?" he asked, referring to the appointment of Stancho Stanev as acting head of the State Agency for National Security. 

Atanassov claimed earlier in the week that Stanev had his access to classified information revoked in 2013. Prime Minister Rumen Radev defended Stanev's appointment, arguing that the choice was a rational one, pointing out that Stanev comes from the broader security sector but is not currently part of SANS itself. 

Democratic Bulgaria will insist on transparency and precision in the selection of members of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), the coalition’s leaders said. 

"I want to disappoint anyone who thinks we will just give our votes for the replacement of the SJC," said Mirchev. "We will demand transparency in the appointment of candidates, hearings, and that they meet very high standards," he added. 

"If they appoint people like the Bulgarian Dugin, or like the Minister of Agriculture who is linked to 'Taki' (an alias of the controversial businessman Christoforos Amanatidis), and if they continue with these scandalous appointments, they will not have our support," Mirchev said.

Atanas Atanassov also stressed that the SJC has long been a serious problem for the Bulgarian state and requires careful selection of its members.

"If they intend to propose people like the one they made Minister of Justice, it won't happen," he said, adding that judicial reform requires leadership and capable individuals.

Bozhidar Bozhanov said the coalition has submitted proposals including a moratorium on appointments by the current SJC, improvements to the selection process to allow broader nominations and reduce party control, and integrity checks on candidates to ensure they are not vulnerable to pressure or blackmail.

Regarding upcoming local elections, Mirchev said they have support from Continue the Change in some areas of Sofia, including the Sredets district, where the candidate is effectively joint. On the presidential elections, he said the coalition is on track with its preparations and will soon announce a candidate.

He added that the coalition aims to better represent its community through greater integration and a clearer political plan.