The parliament is legitimate. If someone wanted to destroy a democracy, they would do just that. To declare the parliament illegitimate and pave the way for a one-man dictatorship. This opinion was expressed in the program “The Live Day” on NOVA NEWS Daniel Mitov from GERB-SDS, commenting on the question of whether he expects Vice President Iliana Yotova to apologize on Monday for her words that “the new parliament is illegitimate”.
„In my opinion, Mr. Borisov is right to say that since the Presidency, and Ms. Yotova in particular, believe that the parliament is illegitimate, why was a decree issued to convene the parliament? What will they do – president and vice president, in one illegitimate body? Rosen Zhelyazkov was right to make a clear distinction between legitimacy and legality. If there are problems in some sections, there is a legal order by which violations are established. This has been done in the past. But the parliament is legitimate. "Declaring the parliament illegitimate is an insult to these over 2.5 million Bulgarian voters," he said categorically.
In his words, the parliament is the only remaining solid pillar of Bulgarian democracy. “Bulgaria is a parliamentary republic. If someone wants to destroy democracy – would do just that. To declare the parliament illegitimate and pave the way for a one-man dictatorship. I fear that willingly or unwillingly – an attempt is currently being made to make something like that happen”.
„It is entirely possible that there will be provocations before the start of the new National Assembly. To me, this is completely unacceptable and should not happen. In a democracy, parliament should meet freely and opinions should be expressed within it. Of course people have the right to peaceful protest. But not, as I read, that the intentions of some elements are to block the access of deputies to the parliament, which is completely unacceptable. we are starting to move towards a dictatorship of the crowd, which is a problem”.
He also commented on the protests, which turned into clashes, in front of the National Theater before the premiere of the production “Guns and the Man”, directed by John Malkovich. “After the unpleasant scenes in front of the National Theater on Thursday – and GERB, as a party, and many of the colleagues – we reacted instantly. In a free society, works of art – be they books, paintings or plays, they are free to be exhibited and read. And it is clear that everyone can form an opinion on the matter. But violence and censorship of theatrical productions, as in this case, is completely unacceptable. Only totalitarian societies limit the freedom of speech, expression and art,”, he is categorical.