Vigenin to Darik: The Eurovision win showed that we can win with modesty, talent and a lot of hard work

“Ever since the night of the win I have been receiving congratulations from colleagues. This week it feels like we are 10 centimetres taller here.” This was said by Bulgarian MEP Kristian Vigenin from the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats to Darik Radio, commenting on Bulgaria’s Eurovision win. He took part in the broadcaster’s special studio at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Vigenin said that Bulgaria’s Eurovision win is being followed closely in the European Parliament too, and that he was personally congratulated by the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola. “I did not expect us to be congratulated from the rostrum, but shortly before that we had an event with Roberta Metsola and she congratulated me on the Eurovision win. I thanked her for the 12 points from Malta, and she thanked me for the 12 points from Bulgaria for the Maltese performer. I even think it would be a good idea for Dara herself to find time to visit the European Parliament; we are ready to invite her,” the MEP said.

A message for Bulgaria

In his view, the win also has a broader message for Bulgaria: “We showed Europe, and indeed the world, at the very least that we can win and that we can adapt,” Vigenin said. In his words, the success is the result of enormous hard work and good preparation. He also highlighted the symbolism of the stage performance. “Dara and the team impressed with their human performance, dressed like ordinary young people in Europe, without unnecessary effects. Clearly you can win with modesty, talent and a lot of effort,” the MEP commented.

In his view, this is also a message to Bulgarian society. “This win is an incentive for every Bulgarian. Despite all the criticism I have read, let us learn to look on the bright side,” he said.

Vigenin also stressed the need for the state to invest more in children’s access to culture and sport. “It is very important to have a broad base, with more children having access to sport, culture and training. We cannot focus on a select few and try to make only them stars,” he stressed.

The political situation in Bulgaria

In the interview, he also commented on the political situation in Bulgaria, including the disputes over changes to the National Assembly’s rules of procedure. “It would be a bad signal for the work of the National Assembly to begin with a sense that rights and powers are being restricted,” the MEP warned. In his view, a stable majority has enough tools to carry out its legislative programme anyway. “When you have a majority, the rules of procedure are not a problem for you. There is no need to create a sense that the opposition is being restricted,” he pointed out.

Vigenin stressed that the government’s main priorities should be high prices, low incomes and judicial reform. “Bulgarians are suffering from high prices and low incomes. Clearly, we also need to speed up judicial reform and put the judicial system in order,” he recommended.

In his view, those in power have all the tools they need to deliver the policies they promised. “Now all power is in the hands of the government, and they have every opportunity to cope. Whether they will succeed remains to be seen,” Vigenin said.

He also commented on the situation of the BSP outside parliament. “For the first time we are outside the National Assembly, and we will need time to adapt to the new situation,” the MEP said. In his view, it is important for the BSP to find a way to keep putting forward ideas. “I hope they will be heard, because both in the government and in parliament there are people who are politically and generationally connected to the BSP, and if our voice can be heard, that would be a plus both for us and for the government,” the MEP commented.

Priorities in the European Parliament

In the conversation, Kristian Vigenin also outlined his main priorities as a Member of the European Parliament. “We are successfully fighting for funding for healthcare in the next European budget to be at least doubled,” he said. On artificial intelligence, Vigenin noted that the European Parliament is working on new protections against abuse. “We are introducing new bans, including a ban on creating intimate content using your image and body without your consent,” he said.

The MEP also highlighted the work on European legislation on cosmetics and chemicals. “This is also important for Bulgarian rose oil,” Vigenin pointed out.

In his words, Bulgarian MEPs are increasingly managing to act in a coordinated way on issues of national interest. “I try to see the Bulgarian interest everywhere, to highlight it and defend it,” he said.

In conclusion, Vigenin noted that Bulgarian MEPs are already working actively on the upcoming report on the Republic of North Macedonia. “This time we started earlier and managed to set out the red lines in advance,” the MEP said.