site.btaGERB National Conference Starts under Tight Security, PM Borissov Ready to Leave at Any Point

August 5 (BTA) - The open-air National Conference of the ruling GERB party was launched here on Wednesday under heightened security measures and social tension in Sofia Tech Park.

The event was attended by party members from across Bulgaria, including MPs, ministers, municipal councillors, regional governors and mayors. Anti-government protesters had blocked a nearby crosswalk. There were clashes.

Prime Minister and GERB leader Boyko Borissov told the participants in the conference that he is ready to vacate his position at any moment. He said he would discuss with GERB's ruling coalition partners, the United Patriots, the possible next steps for the government, and declared that GERB is not afraid of a caretaker government, adding however, that they do not trust President Rumen Radev and do not believe the elections will be fair.

Borissov explained that it is also possible for him to leave, and let someone else serve until the end of Cabinet's term, adding that his future work will be focused on collaboration with GERB's local chapters.

The Prime Minister said that he could announce the date of his resignation right away, but he intends to have talks with GERB's coalition partners to ensure the stability of this country in the face of the difficult months that lie ahead.

Borissov went on to say that he does not want to be the divider of the nation, adding that his party has signed a coalition agreement to for Cabinet to serve out its term. He shared his conviction that through its work, the ruling coalition has foiled the schemes of numerous smugglers and oligarchs.

GERB's leader said that his party has never formed a coalition with the Movement for Rights and Freedoms or with the Socialists, nor will it ever do so, explaining that GERB's only acceptable partners are the current ones: the United Patriots and the Union of Democratic Forces (UDF).

In his speech, Borissov addressed once again the corruption of which the protesters are accusing the incumbents, citing figures according to which contraband rates in Bulgaria are currently under 3 per cent.

The Prime Minister said that nothing is better than a democracy where people are free to express their will, but he also called on his audience to avoid provocations. Shouts to resign and booing could be heard during his speech.

Borissov pointed out the motorways constructed by the incumbents, and remarked that had they not come into power, the protesters would not have had motorways to block or a metro to tinker with. He added that part of the third line of Sofia's metro will be ready within days.

Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the IMRO party, which is part of the United Patriots, Krassimir Karakachanov, said that the priorities are clear: the date of the elections is set by the Constitution; until then, there is work to do.

He said that some of the people who want to govern Bulgaria again, have for over 20 years sacrificed the state for the sake of their own interests, and today they are ready to plunge this country back into chaos just to be in power.

MEP Andrey Novakov, member of GERB, said that "it is time we raised our heads, not our fists" and added that Bulgaria is a Garden of Eden that needs a lot of work.

Razgrad Regional Governor Gyunai Hyusmen stated that Bulgaria has a legitimately elected Prime Minister, his name is Boyko Borissov, and he has been "doing all the donkey work" for 20 years.

Yuxel Ahmed, Mayor of the northeastern town of Dulovo for a third consecutive term, refuted the allegations that he has behind-the-scenes agreements with the MRF, pointing out that the elections in Dulovo prove that.

UDF Chair Rumen Hristov said that the upcoming elections must be won by the Right-wing.

Kalin Kamenov, Mayor of the northwestern city of Vratsa and moderator of the event, called on GERB members and supporters to be brave, responsible and united.

Meanwhile, there were clashes between protesters and GERB supporters, and videos were published showing a journalist of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty being assaulted. In an official statement to the media, GERB condemned the actions of the group of provocateurs that caused tensions to rise. According to the police, there were about 50 protesters around the conference venue.

After the event, party representatives declared in a statement that GERB members and supporters demonstrated their peaceful intentions during the entire conference, and did not provoke any aggression. Unfortunately, there were paid provocateurs who breached the forum security to harass GERB members, protesters and journalists alike, the statement said. The party insists that the investigating bodies establish all facts and circumstances surrounding these incidents, and that the perpetrators be brought to justice. RY/MT


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