Elections “2 in 1“ on June 9, the left, the European Parliament… What is waiting and what is happening in the BSP? MEP Petar Vitanov, who is not included in the lists of the Socialists for the upcoming vote, spoke to FAKTI.
- Mr. Vitanov, you will not be a candidate for the next mandate in the European Parliament from the BSP or in principle…
- I will not run as a candidate in principle. I received offers from various places, I held talks with several left-wing political formations. At this stage, I don't identify with any of them, that's why I decided not to participate. It seems to me that a person can be useful in politics even without being a member of the European Parliament.
- Are there any talks with you from the BSP, or is there a distance? Are you done with BSP?
- BSP is the party thanks to which I got the opportunity to work as a European MP. I am grateful to the rank-and-file members, to everyone who voted for me. I hope I did it justice. During these five years I have spared no effort and have not stopped working for the leftist cause in which I believe. However, the narrow leadership of the BSP made the conversation impossible. In 2023 I was wrongfully expelled, along with 14 other socialists, after we allowed ourselves to criticize the leader Kornelia Ninova. From a democratic structure, the BSP has turned into a one-person company that punishes dissenters and works only for the benefit of its leaders. That is why the big problems of the people remain unsolved and at a time when we need a strong left.
- We saw how Elena Yoncheva entered the lists of the DPS. Do you have proposals from other parties?
-As I already said, I had offers that I refused.
- How do you see Elena Yoncheva's decision to change the party?
- I could not comment on other people's decisions. I am only responsible for my own actions.
- We will have a “2 in 1“ election. How will this affect the vote for the European Parliament. Will we be able to hear the case for the EU in the next term of 5 years…
- The only advantage of the “2 in 1“ is the higher voter turnout. However, I suspect that European themes will take a back seat in the campaign. Unfortunately, smearing, “black PR” will once again prevail. and the muddy skirmishes with kompromats. The important topics for Europe – geopolitical, economic, social – in fact, they are also key at the national level. So it's a shame that we probably won't hear what the political parties have to offer on these issues.
- How do you determine the political situation in the strata. Could it get any more messed up with this cabinet and the changes to the Constitution?
- The situation, alas, looks more hopeless than ever. “The bearers of change“ caused an unprecedented replacement. Those against whom the people protested in the squares ended up in the front row in the parliament with the invaluable support of the PP-DB. People's frustration is huge, voters are disgusted. No one believes that an adequate political process is possible anymore. The changes to the Constitution were yet another pointless exercise in lawmaking for novices. The results are in front of our eyes – complete chaos, and against the background of the huge problems facing the state.
- You have gained a lot of experience, but do you currently see a political entity that appeals to you and that you would join?
- The elections in Sofia proved that the alternative is only possible in the face of a modern united left. I think this can be implemented on a national scale as well. Unfortunately, in the current campaign we will have three left-wing parties competing with each other as well. However, I continue to be optimistic and believe that one day Bulgaria will have a successful left-wing government. In the poorest country in the EU, there is no way that nearly two million people remain unrepresented.
- What do you expect from the June 9 vote? Will we have stable governance after that?
- I don't believe there will be dramatic changes. It is likely that we will once again witness shoddy deals, broken promises and backroom games. However, let's not forget that people's patience is not limitless. Nothing is forever, including the political status quo.