site.btaIn Brussels, Socialist Leader Zarkov Presents His Party's Priorities, Backs Spanish PM Sanchez

An exchange of views on national and international affairs with the Socialists and Democrats Group (S&D) in the European Parliament was the first item on the agenda of a visit by Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) National Council Chair Krum Zarkov in Brussels, the BSP said in a press release on Thursday.

In his statement, Zarkov outlined the crucial challenges facing Bulgaria, listing combating poverty, increasing income, narrowing social inequalities and propping up the competitiveness of the Bulgarian economy as priority tasks of the Socialists.

"Under my guidance, the BSP will be uncompromising in the fight against corruption and overcoming the irregular influence of oligarchic circles on Bulgarian institutions," the guest said, adding that his party is confronted by a serious test, a short time remains until the April 19 early parliamentary elections, but the decisive changes underway start to restore trust in the party and will ensure a substantial presence of the Socialists in the next legislature.

S&D Group President Iratxe Garcia Perez voiced firm support for Zarkov and the BSP, stressing the importance of having proper dialogue with the parties of Central and Eastern Europe. She noted that the news BSP leader's first visit is to Brussels, to the European Parliament, which in itself is an indication that the BSP is a European party and the Socialists see Bulgaria as a reliable and constructive EU Member State.

A number of MEPs joined the ensuing discussion with Zarkov. They showed strong interest in the progress of the political situation, the BSP's intentions regarding the rule of law, the case of Bulgaria's European Prosecutor Teodora Georgieva, progress in combating domestic violence, views on EU enlargement, Bulgaria's role in Southeastern Europe, the positions on the war in Ukraine, and current developments after the Israeli and US strikes against Iran.

Zarkov expressed the BSP's support for Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and stressed that international law must be safeguarded and dialogue and diplomacy must get precedence.

Next, at a bilateral session of talks with Garcia Perez, Zarkov and his delegation consisting of Sergei Stanishev, Kristian Vigenin and Tsvetelina Penkova discussed in greater detail the Bulgarian Socialists' messages in the forthcoming election campaign, the changes launched after the election of the new National Council Chair, and the opportunities for enhanced cooperation with the S&D Group.

With European Committee of the Region President Kata Tutto (Socialist of Hungary), the guests discussed the EU's future seven-year budget and the planned changes related to various policies relevant to EU municipalities and regions. Special attention was paid to the future of the EU Cohesion Policy, and Tutto said she was dissatisfied with the present situation.

The BSP delegation also conferred with European Commission Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera.

At a meeting with Giacomo Filibeck, the Secretary-General of the Party of European Socialists (PES) declared support for Zarkov and expressed conviction that the Left will perform well at the Bulgarian elections. The PES leader voiced concern over the political instability in Bulgaria and the hope that stable governance will be established, with the BSP playing a material role in it.