Photo:
REUTERS/Laszlo Balogh
In Bulgaria was held March 26 parliamentary elections, “Bulgarian socialist party” (BSP), scoring according to preliminary estimates of 27.2% of the votes, accounting for 80 seats in Parliament, took second place, losing the party “Citizens for European development of Bulgaria” (GERB), which won 32.5 per cent (95 persons). However, as has declared “news” of the socialist party, they plan to create a coalition majority. To enter into a coalition with the BSP is ready to “United patriots” (OP, which is 9.1% of the vote and 27 seats), “Movement for rights and freedoms” (DPS of 8.9 % – 26 persons). In the case of a large coalition, the socialists will be able to form a government and to circumvent its competitors.
The leader of the party of BSP CORNELIA NINOVA, in interview to the correspondent of “Izvestia” Victoria Kotsur said about the domestic political situation, relations with Russia and on how the course will Bulgaria, if the BSP will be able to form a majority coalition.
– Why do you think you missed out on the first place?
– We got the result, which is twice the previous. It is a good indicators. The part of the electorate of BSP is associated only with the provisional government, therefore we have lost a few percent of the votes. In any case, we are very far away from third place and happy with the result. Besides, there is a high probability that the EMBLEM will not be able to form a government Bulgaria.
– Why do you think that GERB cannot form a government?
– To form a coalition with GERB, many political forces will have to make serious compromise, and that not all agree. In addition, almost all of the party during the election campaign, held a political rally against the ARMS. For example, the party DPS is definitely not join the coalition with GERB, as would disapprove of their constituents. In this regard, the BSP will have quite real chances and prospects to create the future government of Bulgaria.
– How, in that case, will build relations with Russia?
– I continue to hold the view that anti-sanctions harm relations between Russia and Bulgaria, as well as the relationship between Russia and the EU. Therefore, the BSP insists on the abolition of anti-Russian sanctions. This will lead to the improvement of conditions for the Bulgarian people. However, on the part of Russia we would also like to see some relief in relation to Bulgaria, for example, the decline in gas prices. Moscow and Sofia, many areas for cooperation. Our countries need to work together on energy projects and to develop relations at the level of small and medium business.
– Do you think that the BSP, despite the loss, there are a number of advantages. What are they?
– In the BSP passed a series of transformations, therefore we now have highly qualified professionals and a strong social program. BSP is not a party to secret games and hidden deals. We stand for a neutral policy of peace, which is focused on inner calm, improving the financial situation of citizens, development of small and medium businesses. We want to build good relations with all our partners and don’t hide behind demagoguery in European politics.
– What do you think about the relationship with the EU?
– Bulgaria’s economy is closely linked with the EU. However, our views in relation to migration policy and refugees are not the same. However, both sides every effort is made to resolve the issue. Most citizens of Bulgaria – for the European way, however, the party BSP draws attention to the trade relations in and outside the Union. Besides, our party wants to be the initiator of the improvement of relations between Moscow and Brussels.
– How do you see the solution to the immigration question?
– The people of Bulgaria do not want to take such a huge number of migrants on the territory of our country. In such situation there is a risk of radicalization of the population. We want to help the needy, but the interests of our citizens are the priority. This problem needs to be solved, however, without racism or xenophobia.
On the territory of Bulgaria is home to a huge variety of ethnic and religious groups. The only condition that we put before the EU – the need to provide financial support to Sofia to overcome the economic crisis in the country. And it arose, in particular, because of the EU’s migration policy.
– How do you feel about quotas of refugees?
– Our party considers the EU as an economic partner. But Bulgaria is an independent country. We are ready to perform their duties, but we believe their main goal to ensure the safety of citizens without incitement to ethnic and religious disputes. Sofia has yet to address this issue with Brussels.
– What can you say about North Atlantic integration, how do you think we should build cooperation with NATO?
– Bulgaria has adopted a long-term commitment to the Alliance, however, we insist that they do not become the subject of provocation.
All European countries interested in a strong NATO, but we oppose the escalation of the situation in border areas of member countries of the Alliance and Russia. Thus Bulgaria needs to strengthen its own security in accordance with the new realities dictated by the Alliance. We are not against NATO, but want closer relations with Russia.