site.btaSocialists Decline Support for CC-DB's Declaration and Anti-Corruption Legislative Agenda

The Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) Wednesday declined support for a declaration and anti-corruption legislative agenda proposed by Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB). Deputy Floor Leader Ivan Ivanov said after meeting with CC-DB: "We cannot support this version of the declaration proposed on condition of a two-month extension of Parliament's work."

He called the conversation with CC-DB "constructive", adding that the good thing is the declaration is open and can be changed.

According to Ivanov, there is more to society's agenda than the fight against corruption. "Of course, it is important and we support it. Many of the proposed provisions have always been put forward by BSP as possible legal amendments."

If CC-DB decide to continue these meetings, BSP will make proposals on a single condition - that the declaration should form a basis for talks on a government formed with the second or third mandate. There is a risk of working on important legislation with floating majorities because the laws can be adopted in a version different to what has been proposed originally, said Ivanov.

He was adamant that extending Parliament's life by two months would be against the Constitution. Given that the procedure of handing government-forming mandates is under way, the second mandate is due to be presented and CC-DB should make it clear if they will try to form a government, according to Ivan Ivanov.