Vigenin: Security is not achieved with more weapons alone, dialogue is needed

“Stockpiling weapons on both sides does not bring security. It brings mutual deterrence, but that is not security. We have to find a way to talk to each other,” said MEP Kristian Vigenin on the “Ofanziva” programme on Nova News.

Black Sea security and the need for dialogue

On the threats in the Black Sea, the socialist stressed the need for stronger response capabilities, enhanced coordination and information sharing between countries. In his view, a firm response to such threats should take the form of concrete measures to prevent incidents, including through closer cooperation between Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey. At the same time, Vigenin believes that Europe’s long-term security also requires dialogue. The MEP gave the example of the dialogue between East and West during the Cold War, stressing the need to build a common security architecture in Europe.

The presidential election and the BSP’s contribution

Regarding the results of the presidential election and the victory of Iliana Iotova, Vigenin said that the BSP contributed to the election result, which was decisive in the first round. The MEP noted that the campaign brought new energy to the BSP, and the active participation of the socialists showed that the party can work successfully and effectively. “The combination of the BSP’s preserved organisational capacity and the electoral strength of PB led to this convincing result. However, the difficulties for the ruling party are yet to come,” Vigenin added.

The second pension pillar

Vigenin also commented on domestic political issues, including the second pension pillar, the 2027 budget and possible constitutional changes. On the second pension pillar, he expressed his personal opinion that introducing it was a mistake and that he would support its gradual abolition, as he believes the current model is not in the interest of citizens and future pensioners. “It created a business worth billions for one group of people, but it did not help our pension system. And people are not getting higher pensions,” Vigenin said.

The 2027 budget and public debt

On the proposed 2027 budget, the MEP said that it is “a step in the right direction” in terms of reducing the deficit and cutting some unnecessary spending. The socialist also gave a positive assessment of the planned increase in social payments, but drew attention to the need to bring inflation under control, on which the real increase in incomes will depend. He warned that if inflation is not brought under control, it will create additional tension, including social tension.

On public debt, Vigenin commented that taking on new debt is not desirable, but with a deficit budget the necessary funds have to come from somewhere. In his view, it is important to look carefully at the details and at how this policy will be implemented, including whether some of the funds will be used for spending that will contribute to economic growth. “The question is how and for what this debt will be used, because the effects can be different,” the MEP said.

Constitutional changes and a new Supreme Judicial Council

On possible constitutional changes, Vigenin expressed doubt that the necessary majority for them can be found in the current parliament. “If there is a majority for changing the Constitution in this parliament, there will also be a majority for electing a new Supreme Judicial Council,” the MEP said. That is why, in his view, political agreement should first be sought on electing a new Supreme Judicial Council, because the stabilisation of the entire judicial system depends on it.