Kristian Vigenin: The government is not a classic political coalition but rather a programme-based government

„The new government is not a classic political coalition, it is an agreement for carrying out certain governing actions. Rosen Zhelyazkov’s government is a programme-based rather than a coalition government.“ This was stated by the Deputy Chair of the BSP and head of the Delegation of the Bulgarian Socialists in the EP Kristian Vigenin on bTV. He explained that the governing programme is awaited. „The agreement that was negotiated sets down as a basic principle that the social state will be protected, and our main priorities are set out in it, such as access to healthcare, protected hospitals and pharmacies, the question of hospitals as commercial companies, and working to reduce social inequalities, including through a review of the tax system. What matters is how the BSP defends these priorities and how they will be written into the governing programme. It also matters what the 2025 budget will look like. The BSP does not care only about pensioners, we are talking about the increase in the minimum wage and about support for mothers“, Vigenin pointed out.

Regarding the disputed appointments that were not well received by the public, the Deputy Chair of the BSP advised the partners to be very careful, because it is not a good sign to take such controversial steps in the first days. The symbolism Ivaylo Ivanov carries is not good, but everyone has the right to a second chance, he believes. „If we want an effective cabinet that has the support of citizens, we must be careful. We cannot interfere directly in such appointments, because we have our responsibilities in other ministries, but such appointments affect the whole cabinet. The BSP will not cover for controversial decisions“, Vigenin explained.

„I heard from the defence minister that military aid for Ukraine will continue, on the basis of the National Assembly’s decision. We are now at a stage, however, at which these commitments should be frozen, not only because this contradicts our views as a party but also because we are entering a new period of world politics that requires a different type of decision. I am satisfied that the governing agreement states that we will invest efforts in peace and diplomacy“, the Deputy Chair of the BSP commented on another topical subject.

Kristian Vigenin believes GERB has the chance to prove that government can look different: „I do not think the model has been dismantled, and it is not GERB’s alone, it is a style of government that was multiplied by the recent caretaker governments as well. What we must change is written in the agreement, the effective and appropriate use of the funds from the EU and from the state budget. Peevski remains in opposition, and we have committed to limiting the influence of political leaders in the judicial system.“

The Deputy Chair of the BSP recalled that he had been sceptical about the socialists’ participation in this government. „We could have explained both the talks on government and the commitments undertaken better. The point is that with our participation in the government we should make it useful for citizens, and be the social guarantor in power“, Kristian Vigenin concluded.