site.btaRight-wing Union of Democratic Forces Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Right-wing
Union of Democratic Forces
Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Sofia, December 7 (BTA) - Right-wing political leaders, MPs,
trade unionists and members of the public celebrated Sunday the
25th anniversary of the Union of Democratic Forces (UDF), the
first democratic formation in Bulgaria set up after the fall of
the communist regime in 1989.

Former UDF chairman and ex-President Peter Stoyanov (1997-2002)
said, speaking in front of the party's headquarters in Sofia,
that "this anniversary should give us strength and courage, as
well as wisdom, to rule. UDF is part of the right-wing Reformist
 Bloc coalition which supports the ruling government of GERB.
"The establishment of the UDF and the first huge rallies form
the most romantic part of the history of the Bulgarian
transition in those times of expectations, hopes and illusions,"
 Stoyanov said. "In the years the UDF clarified its ideology and
 today we are left with the lessons and opportunity for a new
revival of our traditional rightist-minded electorate," he said.
 

UDF leader Bozhidar Loukraski said that 25 years the UDF has
remained a symbol of the reforms and democracy. "We will
continue to defend the primary values of democracy, freedom of
choice and equality," he said.

In a congratulatory address to the celebration, Prime Minister
Boyko Borissov wrote that "the UDF as an authentic carrier of
the rightist political idea, the UDF occupies a notable place in
 the modern Bulgarian history. I am certain that in the name of
democracy we mist find a way for a better dialogue". "I am
pleased that in the name of the national interests we managed to
 make the necessary compromises and build a stable government. I
 believe that, united around the national cause, we will deepen
our cooperation, improve the dialogue and overcome the
difficulties together," Borissov wrote. SN /ZH/
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