site.btaGERB and UDF to Run Together in European Elections

March 20 (BTA) The ruling GERB party and the non-parliamentary Union of Democratic Forces (UDF) will run
together in the upcoming European elections. This transpired  after a meeting of representatives of the two parties. Prime Minister and GERB leader Boyko Borissov is quoted as saying thatUDF will get an electable position on the list of candidates and at least two spots for their candidates. These should be
"convinced democrats who, when in Brussels, will stand up for the values and causes of the European People's Party", to use Borissov's words.

UDF is the name of the coalition which is associated with the rebirth of democracy and the end of totalitarianism in Bulgaria in the post-1989 years. Size-wise, it is a fraction of what it used to be.

Borissov commented that it is normal for the oldest Right-wing party in Bulgaria - UDF - to cooperate with GERB - the party which has brought about the most defeats for the Socialists.

GERB floor leader and deputy party leader Tsvetan Tsvetanov said that a second meeting between the two is due on Thursday next week and by then all details will be figured out so that the candidates list can be unveiled officially on March 31.

UDF leader Roumen Hristov said: "This was only the first meeting and we believe we can find common ground and go to the elections together."

UDF also considered joining the Democratic Bulgaria coalition of non-parliamentary Right-wing parties but that was until Tuesday evening when Democratic Bulgaria said it would not pair with UDF as it was also holding talks with GERB.

Earlier in March, European People's Party (EPP) leader Joseph Daul sent letters to the four EPP-affiliated parties in Bulgaria - GERB, UDF, Democrats for Strong Bulgaria (DSB) which is in the Democratic Bulgaria coalition, and Bulgaria for the Citizens movement, urging them to run together in the European elections. Of the four, only DSB wrote back to say that they would never cooperate with the party of Boyko Borissov (for
being in a coalition with populists, for refusing to condemn Victor Orban and to support Laura Kovesi in her bid to become  Europe's first prosecutor). IG/LN/




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