Upcoming Elections: BSP Forms Coalition with Leftist Parties
In the forthcoming elections, the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) will join forces with 15 other leftist parties. This decision was made during the party’s plenary session on August 10, where the acting chair of BSP, Atanas Zafirov, was authorized to sign the coalition agreement. Zafirov indicated that the future coalition may consist of between 15 to 20 leftist formations.
He also mentioned that the name of the coalition and the campaign messages are still under consideration. Currently, 15 parties have expressed their willingness to join the coalition, but Zafirov emphasized that these must be legitimate political entities with a proven presence in Bulgarian politics.
The nomination meetings of the municipal conferences are expected to conclude by September 6, while the regional councils of the parties must submit their candidate lists by September 8. Additionally, the plenary session decided that the century-old party would review the sanctions imposed on former members and partially lift them. Zafirov stated that the aim is to restore the collective spirit and collective action method within the party.
During the plenary meeting, it was revealed that Petar Vitanov and 14 other socialists have already been reinstated in the party. According to party members, they were removed 18 months ago due to criticisms of Cornelia Ninova’s leadership.
On the same day, close allies of Ninova—MPs Ivan Chenchev and Georgi Svilenksi—questioned the legitimacy of the plenary session. Svilenksi expressed outrage that a national plenary would start without previously distributed materials, while Chenchev complained that the agenda was sent to him at eight in the evening. They also highlighted the third agenda item, which involved empowering Atanas Zafirov.
In response to their comments, Zafirov stated that the BSP would enforce party measures and sanctions according to its statutes, but each case would be considered individually. When asked about Ninova’s status within the party, Zafirov remarked that he had no such information and suggested that journalists direct their inquiries to her. However, he acknowledged that there had been discussions regarding her possible expulsion during the plenary.
“Through certain actions, she is acting against the decisions of our collective bodies and creates grounds for various interpretations. Some of these actions resemble open sabotage,” Zafirov stated.
He further noted that the behavior of certain individuals who identify as close to Ninova, referring to Chenchev and Svilenksi, reflects such conduct. According to Zafirov, this behavior includes the false claims about the lack of quorum and the attendance of members, which clearly indicates the mentality and aims behind such statements.
Shortly after, Cornelia Ninova reacted, commenting on the behavior of the interim BSP leadership, represented by Atanas Zafirov and Borislav Gutsanov, on her Facebook profile. Her post read: “My day started with the news that today the National Council of BSP will expel me from the party. And it ends with the news…”
National Council Criticism and Leadership Challenges
The National Council has criticized me for alleged sabotage. Gentlemen, what is it that you are lacking—a backbone or at least a quorum to make a decision like proper individuals? As it stands, I feel somewhat like a half-hearted member of a clan. You desire to take action, but you lack the courage. It seems that I have raised you with timid hearts in masculine bodies.
