Bulgarian Socialist Leader:2014 EP Elections Decisive for EU's Course

Sergey Stanishev, leader of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) and the Party of European Socialists (PES), photo by BGNES

Bulgarian socialist leader Sergei Stanishev has argued that the European Parliament elections will determine the direction in which the EU will develop.

Speaking at a meeting of BSP in Plovdiv, he argued that the upcoming European Parliament elections would be decisive for the policies produced and imposed by the EU on an EU level and on the level of EU Member States.

"We are actually entering a decisive stage of a political confrontation of great consequence, which will reach its denouement at the EP elections, and in the subsequent makeup of the European Parliament, the European Commission, the election of EC President and all other follow-up activities. Socialists have every chance of prevailing in this battle. It will be a fierce battle in every country and it will have a huge impact on the stances and attitudes towards Bulgaria," Stanishev declared, as cited by Darik radio.

Stanishev, leader of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) and the Party of European Socialists (PES), reminded that three years ago, at the time of his election as interim President of PES, there had been 3 socialist Prime Minister out of a total of 27, compared to the current 12 out of 28.

Stanishev argued that the trend indicated that Europeans opposed the policies of austerity and the belt-tightening measures which were being implemented.

"Do not treat me as a future MEP," Stanishev said, adding that he could become EU Commissioner without these elections.

He insisted that he had no intention of running away after the elections in May 2014, thereby betraying the party at a decisive moment.

"BSP is fighting to win support and become the first political force at these elections. This could have a unifying effect despite everything which is happening in the party. This victory is also important for the current government in order to win the trust it needs. BSP must show that it is strong and that it can win these elections," the socialist leader stated.

Asked to comment on the decision of Bulgarian MEP Ivaylo Kalfin to join the election list of the Alternative for Bulgarian Renaissance (ABV) movement of former left-wing President Georgi Parvanov for the EP elections in May, Stanishev expressed his deep disappointment with the step.

"Kalfin made a grievous political mistake and his decision was stupid" Stanishev declared.

He underscored that BSP members had to make it clear whether they would stick with the party or "work for Kalfin", thereby committing a serious breach of the party's articles of association.

The socialist leader noted that the members of the ABV movement were failing to defend their actions and stances.

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