Bulgarian Nationalist Leader Set to Run against PM for President

The leader of the Bulgarian far-right, nationalist Ataka party, Volen Siderov, says the decision of all political parties heads to run for president is a test for their courage. Photo by BGNES

The leader of the Bulgarian far-right, nationalist Ataka party, Volen Siderov, voiced open criticism on the decision of the ruling GERB party to not announce the name of their presidential candidate until August.

In a Monday interview for the TV channel TV7, Siderov, who so far is the only definitely known politician to enter the presidential race, mocked the center-right Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria, GERB, party, saying they could as well make the announcement in October, just days before their own preferred date for the local and presidential elections – October 23.

When asked by the host if he would withdraw his own candidature if Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, ends up being the GERB nominee for the ballot, the nationalist leader countered he was a good enough alternative to the PM.

"My ideas are in politics long before Borisov came to the political scene. There is no reason for me to withdraw," Siderov declared.

On the idea to have all party leaders run for president, the Ataka Chair said this would be a way to test their courage.

Siderov further stated the possible run of Borisov for president could lead to the destabilization of power and open the door to organized crime to seek revenge.

"GERB's overly inflated confidence could end up being a bad joke at the elections and give an edge to the opposition Bulgarian Socialist Party," the nationalist leader pointed out.

So far Siderov has been Borisov's strongest and unwavering ally, securing the GERB majority in the Parliament.

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