site.bta Leader Mikov: BSP Will Seek Support from Left Formations for the Local Elections

Leader Mikov: BSP Will Seek Support from Left Formations for the Local Elections


Sofia, April 5 (BTA) - Leader Mihail Mikov opened the 48th
congress of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) in Sofia on
Sunday.

The BSP should take a more pronounced steer to the left and
increase the role of the leadership in decision making. These
were among the primary immediate goals outlined by Mikov in his
report to the congress.

The BSP will begin talks after the congress with formations from
 the left spectrum for support in the local elections. The party
 will also seek an alliance with Euroroma and the trade unions
and is open to dialogue with everyone on the basis of left
policies. Mikov criticized behind-the-scene unprincipled
coalitions and deals which leave the impression of political
polygamy.

Mikov urged for tightening of the ranks ahead of the local
elections especially in regions where they are in poor
organizational shape. Mikov said that in order for the party to
succeed in the local elections it is important that it overcomes
 the innerparty conflicts and to this end the congress will
consider changes to the party's statute.

Mikov said that Bulgaria should lead a balanced foreign policy,
stating firmly that the party is against sanctions on Russia, as
 they are counterproductive and Bulgaria suffers heavy
consequences.

The BSP leader said that the political and economic situation in
 the country was worrying after the early general elections that
 restored the right in power and produced an eight party
legislature, because the poor in Bulgaria are already exceeding
1.5 million.

Party of European Socialists (PES) President Sergei Stanishev
said that Mikov's report touched on all issues in the focus of
the public.

Stanishev said that the most important was to emerge united with
 a cause to change the status quo.

The PES President said the whole administration will be working
for GERB in the local elections. According to him, the big
question is whether people want GERB to have the whole power in
the state and thus reinforce the status quo.

Stanishev made an overview of  the European political scene,
underscoring that the political struggles of the BSP are part of
 the drive of the European socialists to change Europe and
revive hope for a better future based on European left values.

According to MEP Iliana Yotova, squabbles within the party aim
to undermine it before the local elections.

Attending the congress are some 750 delegates and 2,900 guests.