site.btaVice President Iotova Sees Good News in Parties' Willingness to Discuss CC-DB Declaration

Vice President Iliana Iotova commented on the talks held by Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) on their draft declaration on ending the political crisis: "After [Wednesday's] meetings, I see good news in that the parliamentary parties, the parliamentary groups, are willing to discuss the CC-DB's proposed declaration."

Talking to reporters in Sozopol, Iotova said it is good to have this discussion, whether or not the declaration is adopted. "This is, after all, a desire for dialogue among the political players. Of course, each of them states its priorities; for instance, the Bulgarian Socialist Party was right to say that besides these priorities there are others, much more important, which are on the agenda of the people," the Vice President added.

"Not all parties have responded, some have refused firmly, but whatever happens with this declaration, the very fact that these issues are being discussed at the meetings is already a step in the right direction," said Iotova.

"As to the formation of a government and a possible majority, I am not optimistic after what I heard today," the Vice President said. In the coming days President Rumen Radev will decide when and how to present the second mandate, and it is unlikely that any political force can tell him when to do that, although there were suggestions along these lines on Wednesday, she also said.

Iotova argued that Bulgaria needs stability because the change of governments, the general uncertainty in the country has left everything in the hands of the local authorities, whose capacity to react is limited. She was referring to widespread wildfires in Bulgaria, adding: "We have left everything to the heroism of the people who are dealing with this fiery hell."