site.btaUPDATED GERB-UDF Floor Leader Urges Centre-Right Parties to Unite Behind Single Presidential Candidate: "Anything Else Is Doomed to Failure"

GERB-UDF Floor Leader Boyko Borissov said Friday that the centre-right parties should unite behind a single candidate for president, who is publicly accepted and with good reputation, someone who can attract 400,000-500,000. "Anything else is doomed to failure," he argued.

When asked whether GERB has a candidate to propose for discussion, Borissov said he believes that before a candidate is proposed, consultations must be held and if such a person is found, then the party leaders should announce him.

"I believe, I know, I am sure that in these so-called democratic circles there are many thoughtful and experienced politicians and analysts who absolutely agree with what I am saying right now, if we want to be successful," Borissov said.

According to him, there is no larger party than GERB that is European, democratic and fighting for the rule of law, but "so far no one has contacted them" to discuss a candidate. He recalled that Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria MP and Continue the Change Chair Assen Vassilev had clearly stated that his party did not want to work with GERB.

Regarding the attack on Senior Commissioner Nikolay Kozhuharov in Ruse and President Rumen Radev's statement that the State was in serious decline, Borissov responded that after four years of Radev's rule, the situation could not be any different. "Ten years, single-handedly, half the time ruling the country without a parliament, with prime ministers appointed by him," Borissov said.

He described the incident with the police director as an everyday occurrence that could happen to anyone. "The problem is that some citizens, in order to protect their families, make a remark, and what kind of signal is that to everyone else who sees such outbursts from self-absorbed young people," Borissov said. He highlighted the importance of the role of the family and parents.

"Instead of Radev or anyone else playing politics, let's think about the example we set every day. Open TikTok - Velichie, Morality, Unity, Honour (MECh), Vazrazhdane - what are their titles - ‘We crushed,’ ‘We beat,’ ‘We destroyed,’ ‘We liquidated.’ These children who read and watch, this enters their minds, it becomes something normal," said the GERB-UDF Floor Leader.

Regarding the Tuesday protest in Varna and the arrest of the city's mayor, Borissov said that he would immediately release Blagomir Kotsev if he had any power in the judicial system. "Two panels have left him in custody, and I can only ask, turn around and say that I would be very happy if he were released," the GERB leader said. He added that he is categorically opposed to the actions of the Anti-Corruption Commission and what happened in Varna, and condemns them.

According to Borissov, the Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria is trying, if possible, to stop Bulgaria's eurozone accession and is already joining forces with Vazrazhdane, Velichie, and MECh against the eurozone and Bulgaria's European development. "We are facing our first budget in euros. If there is no regular government, will this Parliament with these parties implement a budget with a 3% deficit?" Borissov asked.