Bulgarian Ex EU Commissioner Party Denies Backstage Rule

Meglena Kuneva, leader of the right-wing Bulgaria for Citizens party and former EU Commissioner, photo by BGNES

The Bulgaria for Citizens party, founded by former EU Commissioner Meglena Kuneva, has sent an official statement to the media Tuesday denying reports it is participating behind-the-scenes in the country's new government on the Socialists mandate.

The right-wing party reminds that as early as May 29, 2013, its National Council issued a declaration pledging to be a firm opposition of the Cabinet of Prime Minister, Plamen Oresharski, and of the parliamentary represented Bulgarian Socialist Party, BSP, the liberal ethnic Turkish Movement for Rights and Freedoms, DPS, and of the far-right nationalist Ataka (Attack).

"This position has not changed and will not change. The members of our movement were asked to not accept any government posts. The firm decision of the National Council is that those who decide to do the opposite would be suspended from Bulgaria for Citizens," the statement reads.

It notes that the membership of Bulgaria for Citizens Deputy Chair, Luydmila Elkova, who is likely to become Deputy Economy Minister in the new Cabinet, and of Prof Kamen Velev, father of new Justice Minister and Deputy PM, Zinaida Zlatanova, has been discontinued and they have been released from their leadership posts in the party.

There is no word yet on reports Bulgaria for Citizens' PR, well-known journalist Ivan Garelov, will be the Cabinet's spokesperson.

The National Council will hold a meeting within two weeks.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!