site.btaUPDATED Deputy PM Zafirov Reaffirms BSP’s Stance on Ukraine, Discusses National Strategy for Physical Activity

Answering a question from Vazrazhdane MP Daniel Prodanov regarding the position of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) on the war in Ukraine, Deputy Prime Minister and BSP acting chair Atanas Zafirov said that the socialists have always supported "a peaceful resolution of the conflict, peaceful solutions". Zafirov took part in Parliament’s Question Time on Friday. BSP is part of the BSP – United Left coalition.

"We have always believed that the Bulgarian state missed a historic opportunity to be a mediator between the East and the West in this terrible military conflict, and there is no change in this position of ours. This will also be the position of the parliamentary group if this issue comes up for discussion in the National Assembly. Another matter is that the government is currently obligated to implement the decisions that have been made by the National Assembly," Zafirov said.

"You are asking me about the position of the BSP – United Left coalition. It has not been changed in any way by the fact that BSP – United Left is part of this joint government in the name of Bulgaria, in the name of the well-being of the Bulgarian citizens," commented Zafirov, adding that Vazrazhdane has had a position closest to that of BSP regarding the conflict in Ukraine, not the other way around. In his response, Zafirov advocated for the necessity of "transforming [Bulgaria’s] military aid [to Ukraine] into humanitarian aid".

The Deputy Prime Minister was also asked about the physical activity of Bulgarians. Gabriel Valkov of the BSP – United Left raised a question regarding the lack of action on the national strategy for physical activity, physical education, sports, and sports-tourism activities. Zafirov said that the Minister of Sports, Ivan Peshev, has already initiated the creation of an interdepartmental group that has begun drafting a new strategy. According to him, the goal is to involve as many Bulgarian citizens as possible who wish to change their lifestyle and promote a culture of engaging in various physical and sports activities. Several strategic goals will be set, including the development of mass sports, sports for students, the construction of sports infrastructure, among others.

Taking a question from Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria MP Petar Kyosev regarding the delay in the launch of the National Information System for Prevention and Protection Against Domestic Violence, Zafirov replied that he is personally engaged with the issue as chair of the National Council for Prevention and Protection Against Domestic Violence. "I assure you that the delayed actions will be analyzed and the issue will be resolved as soon as possible," said the Deputy Prime Minister. He added that the funds for the system's development have been secured. "All possible administrative and human obstacles will be avoided," Zafirov further said.

Kyosev reminded that the establishment of the system was outlined in the amendments to the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act in 2023. The system was supposed to be ready one year after the new provisions were promulgated in the State Gazette, with the deadline having passed in August 2024.