Erdal Yusuf, head of the DPS party in Sungurlare, has publicly backed Sungurlare mayor Dimitar Gavazov. He spoke out after the Burgas Regional Court ruled that Gavazov must stay in custody.
Yesterday the DPS called the detention of three of its mayors political pressure and an attempt to scare voters. The party says the operations are linked to its criticism of those in power.
Earlier on this story: DPS calls detention of three of its mayors political pressure
Gavazov was detained in an investigation into suspected influence peddling in the awarding of public contracts. No verdict has taken effect. Yusuf did not comment on the evidence in the case.
Yusuf says the mayor has done more in three years of this term than was achieved in the previous 33, and a gap like that is hard to ignore.
"Three years of work can show more than 33 years of promises. The deeds remain, the results can be seen, and people remember," he wrote.
Yusuf believes silence is not always the answer, and that taking a clear stand is a matter of character, principle and dignity. He says Sungurlare's progress during this term is reason enough to back the mayor at a hard time.
The local DPS leader insisted that Gavazov's work should be judged objectively, by its results. He says they speak louder than promises, and people have the right to decide for themselves who has done the most for the community. Yusuf wants the assessment of the mayor's time in office not to wipe out what has been achieved.
He described his support as a personal belief that hard work should be recognised and valued fairly, not a gesture because of the situation. Yusuf said he stands with Gavazov out of respect and solidarity, and believes in unity, in the strength of the community and in people's right to defend their views.
"I do not accept hasty judgments as a substitute for facts, and I believe a true assessment rests on deeds, results and time," Yusuf said.