site.btaUPDATED Vanya Grigorova Accepts Nomination for Sofia Mayor by Left Coalition

Economic adviser of the Podkrepa Labour Confederation Vanya Grigorova announced at a press conference with the participation of the coalition The Left! and BSP-Sofia that she accepts the nomination for Mayor of Sofia, the talks for which have been held for several months.

"We have a common goal - the goal is first to have representation of ordinary people in the institutions and in the government", Grigorova said, adding that at the moment "it is the millionaires who can buy laws and the favour of the government, while ordinary people often feel unheard". Another reason she pointed out as to why she agreed to accept this challenge is the fact that Sofia has been governed by right-wing parties for 33 years. "That is why we talk about repairing the repairs, that there are not enough funds for social activities and that social services are being outsourced", she said.

Grigorova pointed out that the motto of the coalition to be formed is "Sofia for all". A "Manifesto for a democratic city" signed by her was presented at the press conference.

As a first priority, Grigorova considers the review of municipal services currently outsourced to private entities. "The water concession in Sofia is on the agenda", Grigorova noted. According to her, it is unknown why a decision has not been made yet, although the previous management had stated that the water would be returned to municipal hands. Another matter, which Grigorova seeks to raise is the increasing lines of public transport that are being leased to private companies. Moreover, she pointed to garbage collection. "The municipal company is on its knees, including not knowing whether it will be able to continue operating the landfill in Gorni Bogrov", Grigorova said. Among other priorities, she pointed to social services, in particular homes for the elderly and hospices, and places in kindergartens and nurseries.

BSP-Sofia Chairman Ivan Takov thanked Vanya Grigorova for accepting to take on the "difficult task to change the governance model" in the capital city. He pointed out that Grigorova is supported by all 24 district conferences of the socialists in Sofia. Both the local coalition and Vanya Grigorova's candidacy are to be confirmed on September 2, 2023. Takov said that more than ten leftist and patriotic movements, parties and coalitions have declared their willingness to participate, including The Left! coalition, and talks with some political entities are continuing.  

Kostadin Paskalev, chairman of the The Left! coalition, thanked Grigorova for her commitment to run as a candidate of the united left in Sofia. "We support this candidacy because we believe that Vanya Grigorova in her professional career has consistently and uncompromisingly defended social justice", Paskalev noted, adding that the united left bloc is the one that can offer solutions that will restore the dignity of Sofia's citizens.

As of now, there are three other nominees for Sofia Mayor - Vasil Terziev (proposed by Save Sofia and Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria), Vili Lilkov (proposed by a nomination committee) and Deyan Nikolov (proposed by Vazrazhdane).