site.bta17 Left-wing Parties Sign Manifesto in Stara Zagora

Seventeen left-wing forces signed a Manifesto to the Bulgarian People at a meeting in Stara Zagora on Friday, a day before the annual gathering of the Socialist Party (BSP) on the historic Mt Buzludzha, which will mark the 133rd anniversary of the socialist movement in Bulgaria. The manifesto says: "At a time when Europe is experiencing its worst crisis in decades, it is crucial to put the governance of Bulgaria in the hands of competent, sensible and responsible politicians with statesmanslike thinking who are guided by the Bulgarian national interests."

The manifesto is addressed not just to left-minded voters but to the Bulgarian people in general. "This shows our clear intention to make sure that the left wing in Bulgaria will no longer put up with its humiliating position as the number five or number six political force," BSP acting leader Atanas Zafirov said.

According to him, leftist parties need to choose between hearing the voice of voters or being wiped off the political scene one by one.

BSP for Bulgaria floor leader Borislav Gutsanov urged all left-minded people to join Saturday's gathering on Mt Buzludzha and to move forward to a new summit in politics.

The Stara Zagora meeting was attended by former Bulgarian president and former BSP leader Georgi Parvanov. He said that Mt Buzludzha has marked the beginning of every revival of the BSP and the left wing as a whole.

The Saturday event will be held under the motto "Together! The Beginning Is Buzludzha". Renowned figures of the Left and leaders of left-wing forces are expected to join in.