Stanishev: If the BSP has no goal in government, it will have no face in the next elections

“We all see, even with the naked eye, that the world is changing dramatically and quickly. The old rules are crumbling, fierce economic competition is beginning. The good news for the EU is that we are observing an awakening, and not as a result of the elections overseas. This week, the EC presented a Competitiveness Compass, including deadlines, financing methods and a specific action plan. They will be presented in detail at the meeting of the European Council in June.“
The government needs a big goal that will make sense of its existence, generate public energy
With these words, Sergey Stanishev described the context in which the new Bulgarian government is starting work in the program “Metronome“ on Radio Focus. “There will be many changes, and the debate on the Multiannual Financial Framework is ongoing. Bulgaria is in a stupor – we have lost 4 years in the inability to form a government due to the sterility of the political system. Now we have a chance, but it seems that the government does not have a great goal that would make sense of its existence and create public energy.“ He suggested that the cabinet, in turn, present a Bulgarian compass for competitiveness by June.
The compass should set the new industrial policy of Bulgaria and potential thematic coalitions with countries in the region
“Our economy is moving by inertia. A new industrial policy is needed that will answer all the difficult questions in energy and our energy-intensive industries, in the processing industry, and in innovation. It is important to show the way for the Bulgarian defense industry in relation to the new EU plans for European security; to decide what the strategy for the development of Bulgarian agriculture should be.
The government can propose this compass to the National Assembly, as well as to a public discussion and, in the midst of reaching a consensus, present it to the EC and to our regional partners. Then it will be in a strong position as a leader and visionary who defends Bulgarian, but also European competitiveness.“
Europe already has its Compass
„For a year now, the Old Continent has been talking about the two reports – by Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta, there is a clear decision of the European Council from November 2024, in which it assigns the EC to present a comprehensive competitiveness plan within 2025. It includes several key parameters: closing the innovation gap between Europe and the giants the USA and China, as well as a joint roadmap for decarbonization and competitiveness of industries. The third priority is reducing dependencies and ensuring the security and sustainability of the European economy. This week, the Compass became a reality.
This is how Europe has a chance to be successful. Especially if it uses its greatest advantage - its common market. It is not fully developed in areas such as energy, telecommunications and the capital market. The whole of Southeast Europe is energy-cut off and therefore our prices are much higher than those in Western Europe. Here is a major priority for the competitiveness of the region.“
The BSP needs a conversation on meaningful policies and structural reform
Asked about his expectations from the work of the Congress, Stanishev pointed out that “unfortunately, as during the previous election campaigns in the country, we listened to nice words. I will not give assessments of the other candidates, but most of the programs and statements seem to be from the time when the BSP was big and strong. We must be realistic. We need a meaningful political conversation within the party – where do we want to go, what future do we give to the leftist idea.
Many candidates for chairman, but no structures – no one knows how many members of the BSP are
The same is true in organizational terms. Everyone says: "we will strengthen, we will expand the structures". The truth is that we are stepping on ruins - many of the local organizations were crushed, swept away by Ninova's internal party wars. According to internal rules, before the start of the direct election campaign, the number of BSP members who will participate in the vote had to be announced. To date, no one knows how many there are, nor how many and who the delegates to the Congress are. We need an analysis and a very clear strategy for structural reform - where we will strengthen our structures, where we will build them anew. But all this seems to be drowning in the intoxicating scent of power and the deceptive feeling that it will give strength to the party. Quite the opposite - if the BSP has no goal in governing, it will not have a face in the next elections. Let us recall what happened to GERB's small coalition partners in previous mandates - where are NFSB, VMRO, ABV now? Or even DB, which has much narrower representation.
It is important to convince our voters, and the entire society, that we are in government to defend their interests. Otherwise, the words about the “left vector“ in power are beautiful, but they may turn out to be empty talk.“