“The new government is not a classical political coalition; it is an agreement for the implementation of certain governing policies. The government of Rosen Zhelyazkov is more of a programmatic, not a coalition government.” He specified that the program for governance is expected. “In the agreement it is written as a basic principle the protection of welfare state. Our main priorities are set – such as access to healthcare: protected hospitals and pharmacies, the issue of hospitals as commercial companies, as well as the efforts to reduce social inequalities, including by reviewing the tax system. It is important how the BSP defends these priorities, how they will be set out in the governance program. It is also important to see what the budget for 2025 will look like. BSP does not only care about pensioners, we are talking about the increase of the minimum wage, support for mothers.”, Vigenin pointed out.

Regarding the appointments – controversial and not well perceived by the public – the BSP Deputy Chairman recommended the partners to be very careful because it is not a positive sign from the first days to make such controversial steps. The symbol that Ivaylo Ivanov carries is not good, but everyone has the right to a second chance. If we want to have an effective cabinet that has the citizens’ support, we have to be careful. We cannot interfere directly in such appointments because we have our responsibilities in other ministries, but such appointments affect the entire cabinet. The BSP will not support controversial decisions.” Vigenin explained.

I heard from the Minister of defense that he would continue to provide military aid to Ukraine, based on the decision of the National Assembly. However, we are now at a stage where we should freeze these commitments – not only because it goes against our views as a party, but also because we are entering in a new period of world politics that requires a different type of decisions. I am satisfied that in the governance agreement it is written that we will invest efforts in peace, diplomacy,” the BSP Deputy Chairman said.

Kristian Vigenin believes that GERB has a chance to prove that governance could look different: “I think the model is not destroyed and it is not only GERB’s, it is a style of governance that was multiplied by the last caretaker governments. What we need to change is laid down in the agreement – efficient and appropriate use of EU funds and from the state budget. Peevski remains in opposition, we have committed to limit the influence of political leaders in the judiciary.”

The Deputy Chairman of the BSP reminded that he was skeptical about the participation of socialists in this government. “We could have better explained the governance negotiations and the commitments that have been made. The point is to make our participation in the government useful for the citizens, to be the social guarantor in the government.”, Kristian Vigenin concluded.