site.btaUPDATED CC-DB Organizes “Strong Bulgaria in a Strong Europe” March in Sofia

Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) leaders led a march in Sofia under the slogan "Strong Bulgaria in a Strong Europe" to mark the end of their election campaign on Thursday.

“We are gathering united by the idea of a strong Bulgaria in a strong Europe to clearly show the choice facing our country today. Shortly after Hungarians chose democracy over authoritarianism and courage over fear, this finale carries even clearer meaning. Their choice showed that the myth of the ‘strong leader’ who governs through dependencies and promises of stability does not hold, and that when citizens turn out to vote in large numbers, even seemingly unchangeable models can be overcome,” the political alliance said.

“The fall of the ‘Orban model’ is a sign that when the state is replaced by corruption, dependencies, and impoverishment, citizens will sooner or later reclaim it. This is the choice facing Bulgaria as well,” CC-DB added.

The march started from St Nedelya Square along Vitosha Boulevard to the National Palace of Culture, with organizers reporting that over five thousand people participated. A 20-meter Bulgarian flag and an EU flag led the procession.

ALDE Party President Svenja Hahn, guest at the event, said that many Bulgarians are tired of voting. "Don’t be tired, because your vote matters, you saw what happened in Hungary," she said. "Bulgaria needs a budget, a vision to move the country forward, and Assen has that plan," Hahn added.

"This Sunday, we have a unique chance, the first since 2009, to kick Borissov and Peevski out of power for good," CC Chair Assen Vassilev said. "The only thing standing between us and that future is to go out and vote," he added.

While waiting for the national anthem to play, Vassilev and the crowd began singing on their own.