PES progressive family will give full support to Sergei Stanishev for Bulgarian elections

20/02/2013
PES President Sergei Stanishev

“It’s time to reignite the spirit of democracy in Bulgaria” says PES General Secretary

The resignation of the conservative government of Boyko Borisov in Bulgaria has been welcomed by the Party of European Socialists (PES). The PES has thrown its full support behind the Bulgarian Socialist Party and leader Sergei Stanishev. PES Secretary General Achim Post said of Mr. Stanishev, who is also President of the PES; “that for the upcoming elections, Sergei Stanishev can count on the support of the Progressive European family. The member parties of the PES are ready to help ensure that Bulgaria finds a more successful way out of the crisis and that it does so in a way that reignites the spirit of democracy”.

The new amendments to the electoral law, tabled by the Borisov-led government is a controversial proposal that had come under fire.

Mr. Post noted that; “We cannot let that Borisov’s legacy, a proposed new electoral law that radically decreases the political independence of election organisers, undermines the most basic standards of democracy and curtails Bulgaria’s potential for growth and progress. This is the opportunity to give the voice back to the citizens, and this fundamental democratic exercise will only be possible if we ensure that the elections are conducted in a fair, open and transparent way.”

Prime Minister Boiko Borisov announced his resignation on Wednesday after days of massive protests against austerity-only policies, high electricity bills and government corruption. The resignation of the Government means that elections will take place, perhaps as early as April.