Boris Bonev was elected chairman of the “Save Sofia” party. Today, the constituent assembly was held, with which the civil platform became a party.
The new formation sets three goals for itself – to win the local vote in the capital this year in the very first round, to have a majority in the Capital Municipal Council, and thirdly – on the very first day after winning the vote, to prove that Sofia can be governed by in a different way.
“Save Sofia” wants a big unification for the upcoming local vote and that is why, although at an initial stage, they talked with “Prodlužavame Promyanata” and “Democratic Bulgaria”, given the heavy reforms they had to carry out after 17 years of GERB rule in the capital. However, an important condition was to first understand about priorities, what is the vision for the city after four years of administration, and then talk about specific names. Boris Bonev himself was ready to be a candidate for mayor, given his experience and the team he works with, but in no case would he allow his nomination to be the reason for the unification not to take place.
The first elections in which the party will contest are the local elections this year in the capital, explained Bonev. He allowed that they could help other similar organizations in places.
“It is important that none of our potential partners think about collaboration with GERB at the national level. For us, this is a condition that, if it is not fulfilled, we will not enter into such conversations, so as not to end up in a situation where which the reform needs for Sofia fall victim to politics at the national level. We have already seen this once, when the Reform Bloc were in government with GERB and there were problems in Sofia. Then we talked to representatives of the Reform Bloc, but they said they could not to allow themselves much to criticize because of the stability of the government.
If no agreement is reached with them, we are ready to appear on our own, but we are working and putting all our effort into not appearing on our own. It is important to have a broad, united front for Sofia, which not only guarantees a landslide victory over GERB in the elections, but has the necessary public trust, so that all those reforms, some of which – unfortunately unpopular, but necessary – will happen . Our goals are victory in the first round of the local elections in Sofia, a majority in the SOS, and immediately after the elections to show that Sofia can be governed in a radically different way,” said Bonev earlier on Sunday to BNT.
He believes that he is prepared for the post of mayor and has the qualities for it, but he will not let his personality be an obstacle to unification.
“Getting into power is not at any price. I said it clearly enough – I will not allow my personality to be an obstacle to unification, which is a clear enough signal that it is not about ego. For me, power is not an end in itself. Being mayor is not is an end in itself. I think I am prepared and can take on this responsibility. I think I have the necessary qualities because I have been preparing for 14 years and there is hardly anyone with so much experience working for Sofia. But my personality will not be an obstacle for this,” Bonev said.
“Save Sofia” will be positioned in the political center and for the time being will focus on the development of the capital. This does not mean, however, that it would not support similar civil movements in other cities, as it may further lead to national elections.
He added that there are exceptional experts in the leadership of the party who have no party background. Decisions in the organization will not be taken alone, but after discussion by its governing bodies, assured Boris Bonev.
At the opening of the forum, activists recalled what they have done so far, what the capital looks like now and what their vision for development is. “Save Sofia” is not another savior, but a call to everyone to take their responsibility now and act boldly. Among the goals is for Sofia to become a “fifteen-minute city”, which means that administrative services, kindergartens and schools are close by, as well as a green and innovative city.
