Bulgarian Nationalist Leader Recommends Convoking 42nd National Assembly without Delay

Siderov noted that Ataka would not work with the ethnic Turkish party Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS) and refuted allegations that the nationalist party had already had talks with the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP). Photo by BGNES

Volen Siderov, leader of nationalist party Ataka, has suggested that Bulgaria's next Parliament should start functioning on May 21, adding that any delays would be detrimental.

Speaking Friday after consultations with President Rosen Plevneliev, Siderov noted that Ataka would not work with the ethnic Turkish party Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS) and refuted allegations that the nationalist party had already had talks with the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP).

He emphasized that Ataka would not make any compromises on national interests.

Siderov, as cited by the Focus news agency, told journalists that Ataka members had complained to him about having been contacted by GERB members.

The nationalist leader suggested that the news was hardly surprising as center-right party GERB had substantial experience in stealing MPs from other formations.

Siderov explained that Bulgaria's head of state had told him he saw no reason to void the May 12 parliamentary elections and that he considered the demands for the measure irresponsible.

He refuted claims that here had been talks about making Ataka member Yavor Notev Parliament Chair.

Siderov argued, however, that Notev was more suitable for the post than former Parliament Chair Tsetska Tsacheva.

Asked to outline priority tasks for Bulgaria's 42nd General Assembly, he recommended an instant revision of the Energy Act, the abolition of the energy transmission fee, a reduction in electricity prices.

Siderov also insisted that the legal framework regulating the functioning of the State Commission for Energy and Water Regulation (DKEVR) had to be revised, the licenses of power distributors CEZ, EVN, and Energo-Pro had to be revoked, and the concession contracts for gold-mining reconsidered.

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