Krum Zarkov: BSP will return to socialist values and its independence

The main goal of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) is to return to socialist ideals and establish itself as an independent political force, not subordinate to external interests. This was stated by the leader of the party, Krum Zarkov, in an interview for the program "Oще от деня" on BNT.

He emphasized that the new composition of the National Council and the Executive Bureau of the BSP will combine the experience of proven figures such as Sergei Stanishev and Atanas Merdjanov with the energy of the young cadres in the party, in order to ensure both continuity and renewal. "Our mission is to clear the ideological image of the party and return to socialism, opposing market fundamentalism," Zarkov added.

The leader also commented on the need to unite the left-wing formations, stating that the BSP will open its doors to all those who identify as socialists and will actively work to consolidate the different currents. "The unification of the left will be achieved through the 'United Left' coalition," he said.

Zarkov also touched on the relations between the BSP and the President of Bulgaria in the period 2017–2026, Rumen Radev. He noted that Radev, by historical necessity and by his own will, entered the party-political space, but this does not change the independent position of the socialists. "We have a common goal – dismantling the politico-oligarchic model, but on some specific issues, such as the tax system, there are differences. We can cooperate, but we will never be connected and subordinate again," Zarkov pointed out.

He also emphasized the importance of the party's mobilization for the upcoming elections and the unification between the different internal wings. "The only fatal threat to the BSP is not accepting the challenge. We are ready to accept it and fight for the interests of Bulgarian citizens," the leader of the BSP emphasized.

Zarkov commented on the actions of the Minister of Internal Affairs Emil Dechev, who, according to him, bears "huge responsibility" for ensuring fair elections. He added that success depends not only on the institutions, but also on the political parties, the section commissions and the observers. The leader assured that the BSP will do everything possible to protect every honestly cast vote.

Regarding the Minister of Justice Andrey Yankulov, Zarkov assessed his actions in the procedure for the election of a new chief prosecutor as "adequate" and as a clear signal for the reaction of the institutions to the legal intolerance of the current situation. "This shows that the Ministry of Justice is acting in accordance with the legal norms, despite the unpredictability of the prosecutor's office," he explained.

The leader of the socialists also commented on the veto of President Iliana Iotova on the Electoral Code, related to the reduction of the number of polling stations abroad. Zarkov said that the BSP supports the arguments of the head of state and will do everything possible for the parliamentary group to vote for the preservation of the sections. "This law is a mistake and should not come into force. We will fight to protect the right of Bulgarians abroad to freely exercise their vote," the leader of the BSP emphasized.

In response to a question regarding military support for Ukraine and Bulgaria's defense policy, Zarkov pointed out that the country needs to pursue a reasonable policy that meets the national interest. He stressed that Bulgaria must be committed to the peaceful settlement of the conflict.