site.btaMayors of Mladost, Lyulin Boroughs in Sofia Leave Continue the Change Party

The mayors of Sofia's Mladost and Lyulin boroughs, Ivaylo Kukurin and Georgi Todorov, are leaving Continue the Change on the grounds that they had been pressured by the party. This was announced at a press conference on Monday, during which Sofia Municipal Councilor and co-chair of the Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria group in the Sofia Municipal Council Dimitar Shalafov, as well as Sofia Municipal Councilor Dragomir Ivanov also said that they are leaving the political party.

"When I joined Continue the Change, I had many conversations and I had a huge dream that this team would give me a chance to make our society more transparent. In my election campaign, I communicated with the voters in this way. These are my principles and that is what I insist on", Kukurin stated. He pointed out that over time, he found that behind the expert assistance of Continue the Change were practices that are extremely unacceptable to him, including conversations and pressure on companies and promised public procurement procedures.

"This is categorically contrary to my principles and views and I cannot allow it. I will not allow my name to be associated with such practices," Kukurin stressed, adding that he was leaving the party and would remain working in the interests of the residents because he had made a commitment to them.

Todorov's statement was similar, as he pointed out that since he took office as Mayor of Sofa's Lyulin borough, attempts have been made to put pressure on him in all possible ways. "I managed to survive only thanks to my own intransigence and daily battles. I refuse to be a facade and a signatory to rigged public procurement procedures. I am withdrawing from Continue the Change so as not to become something I cannot be. I will not compromise with my work as mayor and serve personal interests. From today I am an independent mayor of Lyulin,” he underscored.

The politicians declared that Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev is not part of these schemes and stressed that he must clear his team of these so-called rotten apples, as they are also staining his name.