/ world today news/ Atanas Merdzhanov, deputy chairman of the PG of BSP – Left Bulgaria, in a conversation with Iliana Benovska on the air of “Radio K2”, stated positions on the following topics:
“Today marks the 18th anniversary of the rally on January 10, 1997, which ended the life of Zhan Videnov’s government and prevented a second mandate for the BSP at that time. What is the condition of BSP today, 18 years later. What’s the news from you? Where do we find you”, started her conversation with Atanas Merdzhanov, the presenter of the program “On the 6th day” Iliana Benovska?
Merdzhanov explained that they are currently holding a meeting of the Executive Bureau of the BSP in Varshets after yesterday’s meeting with the Montana Regional Council. He explained that after the BSP’s heavy loss in the fall, the party is looking for different ways to strengthen its ranks and added that the dialogue at every level is neglected, there are gaps in personnel policy and bankruptcy in many of the ideas launched. However, he denied that a direct correlation can be sought between the situation of today and that of 18 years ago. The Red leader admitted that history teaches them.
„Where are the conflicts now, Mr. Merdzhanov,” the presenter asked.
The politician stated that, in his opinion, the discords are in the formally ruling quadruple coalition. “Even if efforts are made to hide them, they will inevitably come to light after a while. So far, we have only witnessed imitations of reforms, and the government has not even introduced the mandatory management program for such situations. At the same time, colossal changes have been made to the budget and we are witnessing a huge foreign debt. This is a rather serious social impasse, which is headed for the Bulgarian citizens”, Atanas Merdzhanov stated his position categorically.
„Mr. Merdzhanov, is there a dead end in the government of GERB – RB – ABV with a strong deputy prime minister, Meglena Kuneva, who is responsible for internal affairs, defense, justice, foreign affairs and European affairs. How is this government providing for our national security. Before Christmas, 150 refugees tried to break through our border at the Kapitan Andreevo border crossing from the Turkish side, and if only the Turkish army had not overpowered them, they would probably already be on our territory. You also know that about 7,000 refugees are about to be expelled back to Bulgaria, as they were registered here for the first time on the territory of the European Union. And last but not least – does the insecurity of our external border towards the refugee flow continue?” Benovska asked for an opinion on current topics.
Merzhdanov noted that it is easiest to blame Ms. Kuneva as Deputy Prime Minister and stated: “It is natural that we are not satisfied with her leadership of the law enforcement agencies and in particular with their coordination, as we have witnessed a never-ending confusion over who should guard the border.It is about the fact that GERB, taking power, did not appreciate the huge efforts that were made by the previous government to control the wave of refugees. A year ago at this time – the winter months, two or three people were crossing or were caught at the border.”
Interpellated by the host that at that time the flow of refugees had not escalated so much, Merdzhanov reasoned that the refugee problem will hang like a sword of Damocles over all neighboring countries and in Europe in the next ten years. He emphasized the thesis that this is not only a Bulgarian problem, but above all a European issue, and this is the root of the BSP’s critical attitude towards Ms. Kuneva, because a meeting has not been convened between the European MPs from those most affected by the refugee flow countries to seek changes to the Dublin Treaty regulations.
“The 7,500 refugees in question, who will supposedly be returned to Bulgaria, can only be returned with the consent of the Bulgarian state,” he said. If they are returned, according to him, Bulgaria would not be able to take on this huge burden. “If we take it over, it means that the Bulgarian politicians who are responsible for this have not done their job. Ms. Kuneva’s efforts must be much more serious in a pan-European plan. Bulgaria must be at the center of these efforts and show maximum activity. And here we are dealing with our home-grown quarrels about whether the Ministry of the Interior or the Ministry of Defense should take over the protection of the border”Merzhdanov thinks.
„What will you, as the opposition, effectively do on the first day of the National Assembly on Wednesday”, asked the presenter about the plans of the PG of the BSP – Left Bulgaria on the upcoming working day of the National Assembly.
The MP said that the political declarations of the leaders of the parliamentary group will usually be presented on the first day. Their efforts will be directed at all mechanisms for overcoming poverty. “The 14 social rights and protections that were taken away with the adoption of the new budget for 2015. will be the focus of the legislative initiatives of BSP – Left Bulgaria”, announced the BSP leader. He informed that they have introduced laws for the protection of Bulgarian consumers and other initiatives related to guaranteeing the social rights of citizens and a working economy.
„Finally, to return you to the condition of the BSP. The Bulgarian social democrats unanimously decided to nominate Sergey Stanishev, your ex-leader and current MEP, for a second term as president of the PES, and propose that he be re-elected at the 10th congress of the PES, which will be held in June in Budapest. What is the position of the BSP”, Benovska sought the position of the BSP.
Merdzhanov emphasized that at its last congress, where Sergey Stanishev resigned as the leader of the BSP, the party decided to nominate him for a second term as PES president. “The BSP was the first to nominate Sergey Stanishev for a second term,” the politician said.
“You reported a failure in the last election, and it was another one. “Do you think that Stanishev is worthy of a second term as PES president after he failed to handle internal affairs,” Benovska continued?
The deputy chairman of the PG of the BSP – Left Bulgaria categorically said that the efforts of the BSP are primarily directed internally and they have enough work both as an opposition and as a national party that is preparing for the local elections in the fall, and to looking for a difference is untenable. “With Sergey Stanishev, the BSP established itself as a serious factor in the European socialist family,” noted the politician.
„Have you been to Sergey Stanishev’s new office, where he gathered some journalists yesterday,” Iliana Benovska asked.
Atanas Merdzhanov said that the entire parliamentary group was invited on the eve of the Christmas holidays and their offices were open to all socialists.
Benovska specified that only some media representatives were invited: “Nevertheless, Sergey Stanishev will represent the Bulgarian left in the election of a new PES president, and not just himself in an individual capacity. Do you support Stanishev’s separatist attitude towards some media because we, for example, were not invited?
Merdzhanov tried to deflect the question and said that when it comes to the BSP, the party strives to treat all Bulgarian media equally. “The rest is a matter of personal point of view and manifestations. Each one of the BSP’s European MPs has his own vision of how to deploy his political actions. I am not a participant in this process,” the interlocutor justified.
“Information has been leaked that there is a lack of money at the headquarters of the BSP, layoffs are being made, communications are being stopped. What is the business and financial condition of BSP”, Iliana Benovska asked a final blitz question.
The guest of “Radio K2” stated that they are really worried about BSP financially and especially because of the fact that PG is half of the last one and this significantly affects the subsidy. “We took measures that reduced Positano states by nearly 15%. We will try to offset the subsidy with donations and membership fee increases. The responsibility of every single socialist must be increased in today’s difficult situation. The rest of the parties also experience, with the exception of GERB, chronic financial difficulties, so this is a reality,” concluded Atanas Merdzhanov.
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Given the BSP’s critique of the current government’s handling of border security and the refugee crisis, what concrete alternative solutions does the party propose and how do these differ from the government’s current approach?
This is a great start! The article provides a lot of information about the current state of the BSP and its position on various political issues. Here’s a breakdown of potential open-ended questions categorized by theme:
**I. The Present State of the BSP:**
* **Internal Challenges:** Merdzhanov mentions “gaps in personnel policy” and “bankruptcy in many of the ideas launched.” What specific examples illustrate these challenges, and how does the BSP plan to address them?
* **Historical Context:** Merdzhanov acknowledges that the current situation is not directly comparable to the loss in 2005, but says history teaches them. What lessons are they taking from the past?
* **Financial Difficulties:** The article mentions a lack of funding and potential layoffs within the BSP. Could you elaborate on the financial situation and the specific measures being taken to address it? What are the long-term implications of these difficulties?
**II. The BSP’s Position on the Current Government:**
* **Critique of the Ruling Coalition:** Merdzhanov is critical of the quadruple coalition, emphasizing “imitations of reforms” and neglected dialogue.
Could you provide specific examples to support these claims? What does the BSP see as the key shortcomings of this government?
* **National Security Concerns:**
Merdzhanov criticizes Deputy Prime Minister Meglena Kuneva’s handling of border security. What solutions does the BSP propose to address the refugee crisis, and how do they differ from the government’s approach?
* **Focus on Social Issues:** Merdzhanov highlights the BSP’s focus on social rights and consumer protection. What specific policies do they plan to pursue to champion these issues?
**III. Sergey Stanishev’s Candidacy for PES President:**
* **Regional Impact:** According to the article, the BSP was the first to nominate Stanishev for a second term as PES president. How does the BSP believe Stanishev’s leadership will benefit the European socialist family?
* **Internal Criticism:** The article raises a question about Stanishev’s handling of internal affairs within the BSP, considering their recent election losses. How do you reconcile support for Stanishev’s candidacy with this perceived failure?
* **Stanishev’s Communication Strategy:** The article mentions concerns about Stanishev’s separatist attitude towards some media outlets.
What is your perspective on the importance of engaging with a variety of media voices, and how does the BSP plan to ensure transparency in its communication?
**IV. Looking Ahead:**
* **Local Elections:** Assuming
the BSP is preparing for local elections in the fall, what are their main priorities for these campaigns, and how do they plan to connect with voters?
* **Rebuilding Public Trust:**
Given the challenges facing the BSP, what concrete steps will you take to rebuild trust among Bulgarian voters and strengthen your party’s position?
By framing your questions in this way, you can encourage a deeper exploration of the key themes and issues presented in the interview.
