What is the role of the BSP in governance, will the “Zhelyazkov“ cabinet survive with changed parliamentary support and where is the party heading… Atanas Zafirov, leader of the BSP and Deputy Prime Minister in the “Zhelyazkov“ cabinet, speaks to FACT.
- Mr. Zafirov, is an 8-hour working day enough for a Deputy Prime Minister?
- A Deputy Prime Minister's working day is not measured in hours. When you have taken responsibility before the state and the people, you cannot turn off your phone at 6:00 p.m. There are no working hours in this position – there is a mission, there is a daily battle for stability, social justice and economic development. We are working in a crisis, in a dynamic geopolitical environment – there is no place for rest.
- Will the "Zhelyazkov" cabinet last after the change in the parliamentary configuration?
- The cabinet will last because it has stepped on very clear priorities – political stability, social policy and economic growth. These are not priorities of the parties, these are priorities of the people. We entered the government not for party gain, but despite the political negatives that this brings. Because we believe that the chaos in the state must end. Because we could no longer watch how institutions fall apart, how trust in politics is destroyed. In conditions of global and domestic instability, we offer stability and leadership. We are not afraid of responsibility – we bear it.
- Is there a dilemma – political stability or new elections?
- Absolutely not. The real dilemma is this - will we work for national priorities - stability, social policy, economic growth, or will we continue to be a function of instability? All surveys show that society wants stability, not elections. We are ready to give it. It is time for political forces to step out of the shadow of personal interests and take responsibility for the country. We did it a long time ago.
- Governing majorities - is this the future of the "Zhelyazkov" cabinet?
- Yes. We will work with floating majorities because we are not locked into narrow party schemes. Anyone who supports reasonable decisions and national priorities is our ally on a given issue. We are not looking for dependencies, but responsibility. The state is not a startup - you cannot manage it with labels and whims. We are looking for stability based on reason and values, not on agreements under the table.
- Is a common thought possible between the ruling party and the opposition?
- When it comes to statehood, it must be possible. If an opposition party has a reasonable proposal - we will support it. Just as we expect our good initiatives to be supported. This is not about convenience, but about responsibility to the people. I am ready for dialogue with anyone, as long as this conversation is for the benefit of society. Bulgaria does not need shrill confrontations, but working solutions.
- Will you work with Delyan Peevski? How long will this last?
- Let it be clear - the BSP has not made and will not make agreements with anyone behind the scenes. The support that certain parties provide for certain bills is not a form of alliance, but of shared responsibility. We do not accept hidden dependencies, but public decisions in the name of Bulgaria. Support for meaningful policies does not mean merger. We are responsible – and we seek responsibility.
- What does the BSP hold dear in government? What are your successes?
- The BSP is a guarantor of the social nature of government. Without us, this element would be missing. A specific example - the increase in pensions by 8.6%, implemented according to the Swiss rule. This increase affects over 2 million pensioners. The minimum pension was also increased, but with the prospect of sustainable growth. And that's not all. The introduction of free antiviral drugs and antibiotics for all children up to and including the age of 7 is a real measure in support of young families, covering over 400,000 children. In addition, we provided 30 million leva additionally for psychiatric care, another 6 million leva for school sports, significant funds for the restoration of irrigation systems and water supply infrastructure, as well as targeted subsidies for municipalities. These are not just policies, these are clear commitments fulfilled for the benefit of the people. This is the left in action. Successes are not accidental - they are the result of systematic, purposeful work. We do not just participate - we lead processes.
- Was the increase in pensions - a battle of the BSP?
- Absolutely. This is a battle of the BSP – waged persistently and with a clear awareness of our social responsibility. But I want to emphasize - we do not take credit for it ourselves. I thank all partners in the government who showed understanding and support. This is a shared success – proof that when we put people at the center of politics, we can achieve results. This is the power of joint governance – differences are overcome when the leading concern for people is. This result is indicative – that the left is at the heart of the government and brings solutions.
To be continued…