Former Classmates Turn Political Rivals: The Mesmerizing Debate Between Assen Vasilev and Delyan Dobrev
In a recent interview with bTV,delyan Dobrev,Chairman of the Budget Committee at the National Assembly,made a striking claim about his former classmate and political rival,Assen vasilev,the former Finance Minister of “Continue Change.” Dobrev accused Vasilev of mesmerizing his audience, stating, “When you talk to Assen Vassilev, he seems very confident in what he says. He looks at you in the eye, not blinking - my thesis is that he mesmerizes all. why did his right voted all the proinflationary budgets in parliament if thay were not mesmerized? Most of GERB was also mesmerized.”
Vasilev, known for his sharp wit, responded with a playful yet pointed retort: “If I have mesmerized them, I will blink more often.” This exchange highlights the deepening tension between the two politicians, who once shared a close bond as classmates at the Haskovo Language School and even sang together in the Lira Choir.
Their paths first crossed in politics in March 2013, when Dobrev, then Minister of Economy in the Borisov-1 cabinet, handed over the post to Vasilev, who became Minister of Coabine in the Marin Raykov government. At the time, their relationship appeared amicable, a stark contrast to the open hostility dobrev has displayed as 2021, when the third government of Boyko Borisov fell following mass anti-corruption protests.
Since then, Dobrev has fixated on Vasilev, often criticizing his policies and actions. This fixation raises questions about Dobrev’s ability to objectively analyze his former classmate’s work.As Vasilev continues to defend his record, the political drama between these two figures remains a captivating spectacle in Bulgarian politics.
Key points at a Glance
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Main Accusation | Delyan Dobrev claims Assen Vasilev mesmerizes his audience. |
| Vasilev’s Response | “If I have mesmerized them, I will blink more often.” |
| Shared History | Classmates at Haskovo Language School; sang together in the Lira Choir.|
| Political Intersection| Dobrev handed over his post to Vasilev in March 2013. |
| Current Relationship | Open hostility from Dobrev since 2021. |
This ongoing feud underscores the complexities of political rivalries, especially when personal history intertwines with professional disagreements.As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether Vasilev’s charm—or alleged mesmerism—will continue to sway opinions in his favor.
For more insights into this political drama, read the full interview with Delyan Dobrev on Mediapool.bg.
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From Classmates to Political Rivals: The Intriguing Dynamics Between Assen Vasilev and Delyan Dobrev
In the ever-evolving landscape of Bulgarian politics, the rivalry between Assen Vasilev and Delyan Dobrev has taken center stage. Once classmates at the Haskovo Language School and choir mates in the lira Choir, their paths diverged into politics, where their relationship has become increasingly contentious. This interview explores the nuances of their feud, delving into their shared history, political intersections, and the escalating tensions that define their current relationship.
Editor: Let’s start at the beginning. how did Assen Vasilev and Delyan dobrev first meet?
Guest Expert Ivan Petrov: Their connection dates back to their time at the Haskovo Language School, where they were classmates. Both were also members of the Lira Choir, which suggests they shared a bond beyond academics. This early camaraderie makes their current political rivalry all the more intriguing.
Political Intersection: A Handover in 2013
Editor: When did their paths cross in politics?
Ivan Petrov: Their political intersection occurred in March 2013, when Delyan Dobrev, then Minister of Economy in the Borisov-1 cabinet, handed over his position to Assen Vasilev, who became Minister of Cabinet Affairs in the Marin Raykov government. At the time, their relationship appeared professional and even cordial, a stark contrast to the hostility that has emerged in recent years.
The Mesmerism Accusation
Editor: Dobrev has accused Vasilev of “mesmerizing” his audience. Can you elaborate on this claim?
Ivan Petrov: Dobrev’s accusation is rooted in Vasilev’s confident demeanor, notably during parliamentary debates. Dobrev stated, “when you talk to Assen Vasilev, he seems very confident in what he says. He looks at you in the eye,not blinking—my thesis is that he mesmerizes all.” Vasilev responded with characteristic wit, saying, “if I have mesmerized them, I will blink more often.” This exchange underscores the personal nature of their conflict.
Escalating Tensions Since 2021
Editor: What sparked the current hostility between them?
Ivan Petrov: the tension escalated in 2021,following the fall of the third government of Boyko Borisov amid mass anti-corruption protests. since then, Dobrev has been openly critical of Vasilev, often targeting his policies and decisions. This fixation raises questions about whether Dobrev’s critiques are driven by professional disagreements or personal animosity.
The Future of Their Rivalry
Editor: where do you see this rivalry heading?
Ivan Petrov: The feud between Vasilev and dobrev highlights the complexities of political rivalries,especially when personal history is involved. As Vasilev continues to defend his record and Dobrev persists in his criticism, this dynamic will likely remain a focal point in Bulgarian politics. Whether Vasilev’s charm—or alleged mesmerism—will continue to sway public opinion remains to be seen.
Conclusion: A Captivating Political Drama
Editor: What’s the takeaway from this ongoing drama?
Ivan Petrov: The rivalry between Assen Vasilev and Delyan dobrev is a captivating case study in how personal history and professional disagreements intersect in politics. Their story serves as a reminder of the human element behind political debates, making it a captivating spectacle for observers of Bulgarian politics.
