site.btaTsvetan Tsvetanov: Let's Not Allow Phenomena Like Syriza, Podemos in Bulgaria

Tsvetan Tsvetanov: Let's Not Allow Phenomena Like Syriza, Podemos in Bulgaria

Sofia, September 7 (BTA) - Addressing a conference Monday on the
 future of political parties, GERB Deputy Leader Tsvetan
Tsvetanov urged against allowing phenomena like Syriza and
Podemos and populism in Bulgaria. The conference was organized
by the Citizens Association for the European Development of
Bulgaria, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and the Martens Centre.

Tsvetanov said that GERB wants systemic parties which will lead
a policy of tolerance, and not of clashing and mud slinging. On
the eve of the local elections populist messages are back on the
 agenda, said Tsvetanov. He added that GERB wants to boost its
presence in regions with mixed population. "We are not going to
hide behind independent candidates who turn out to become the
most dependent," said Tsvetanov.

Tsvetanov declared a desire on behalf of GERB to pledge viable
promises. "In Bulgaria there are regions with mixed population,
with low-status population, or predominant Roma population. It
is hard to make policy in these regions because populism and
ethnic clashes are very prominent," said Tsvetanov. According to
 him, it is important for parties to be politically responsible
and have transparent funding.

Tomi Huhtanen, head of the Wilfried Martens Centre for European
Studies outlined a general dip in trust in political parties in
Europe and said that political parties are working on the basis
of projects, of specific  tasks and aims which have a clear end
and beginning. According to Huhtanen, this has implications for
the very organization of parties. Instead of being monolithic
structures they are flexible organizations that could attract
citizens with diverse interests.