site.btaDSB Proposes Nomination of Its leader Atanasov for Parliament Chair

The national leadership of Democrats for a Strong Bulgaria (DSB) proposes to its coalition partners Yes, Bulgaria and Continue the Change to nominate a common candidate of the coalition for chair of the 51st National Assembly, namely - DSB Chairman Atanas Atanasov, DSB said in a position, published on the party's Facebook page.

"We believe that his many years of political experience, proven results in his uncompromising battle against corruption in high places of power and the Russian "fifth column" qualify him as the most suitable candidate," the DSB added.

The Bulgarian National Assembly remains in a legislative deadlock after the eighth attempt to elect a chair failed on Friday. Electing a chair is a critical step for resuming parliamentary functions. The process has been marred by deep political divisions and shifting alliances among parties, fuelled by disputes over leadership nominations and accusations of undue influence. 

DSB said that the decision was dictated by several factors: the severe political crisis, the blocking of the work of the National Assembly; the withdrawal of the candidacy of the first political force GERB-UDF for Parliament chair; the need to end the illegitimate influence in the judiciary, regulatory and control bodies, countering corruption and abuse of influence, the urgency of the adoption of a law on the judiciary to ensure the termination of the procedure for the election of a new Prosecutor General by the SJC with an expired term of office.

The need for the immediate adoption of the State Budget Act for 2025, regulating a 3% deficit, in view of Bulgaria's accession to the euro area; the adoption of the anti-corruption legislation included in the Recovery and Resilience Plan; changes to the Election Code, ensuring the fairness of the election process, among others.

"We are confident that you appreciate our concern for finding a way out of the blockage of the constitutional procedure for the constitution and commencement of the work of the 51st National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria in the interest of the rule of law and the protection of citizens' rights," the DSB added in its letter to its coalition partners.

In a position of Yes, Bulgaria sent to BTA, the party stated that it supports the potential candidacy of Atanas Atanasov for chairman of the 51st National Assembly.

Yes Bulgaria added that "this is an opportunity to resolve the parliamentary crisis and unblock the work of the legislative body."

"We stress that this does not mean support for Borissov's original proposal that he be prime minister and Atanasov chairman of the National Assembly," the party added.