Atanas Atanasov invites Radan Kanev for a common front around a new DB leader

An unexpected move in "Democrats for Strong Bulgaria": the party leader "Atanas Atanasov" has proposed to former chairman "Radan Kanev" that the two of them back a single joint candidate for new party leader at the upcoming congress on 11 July. This was reported by sources from DSB while the formation was holding a meeting of its Executive Council.

As is known, until now the two were emerging as de facto opponents in the battle for the leadership post. "Radan Kanev", who withdrew from the race back in 2022, recently announced that after the parliamentary vote on 19 April he had decided this time to take part. For his part, "Atanas Atanasov" is unofficially supporting the nomination of the Plovdiv structure – that of his current deputy in DSB, "Yordan Ivanov".

According to information from party circles, "Yordan Ivanov" has not yet taken a final decision on whether to run. That is why a scenario is also being discussed in which, if he refuses, "Atanasov" himself would enter the race for a third term at the head of the party.

The current chairman surprised many with his proposal for joint support, justifying it with the need for "unity in the party" and the avoidance of publicly displayed division. During the discussions it was emphasized that signals of conflict at this moment could harm DSB.

At the same time, there were also voices arguing that the party’s grassroots should be left to choose their leader through a "democratic vote", without prior deals at the top. Other members of the Executive Council stated that they would first like to see the team that "Radan Kanev" will propose before taking a clear position.

Some of the participants in the meeting insisted that "Kanev" explain how he plans to combine a possible leadership role in DSB with his current position as a Member of the European Parliament. The question of how these two roles would be reconciled was raised as key for the party’s future management.

According to accounts from people present at the meeting, "Radan Kanev" did not close the door on "Atanasov"'s proposal. If a joint candidacy is ultimately agreed upon, expectations are that it will most likely be "Yordan Ivanov".