site.btaContinue the Change Chair Vassilev Discusses Movement for Rights and Freedoms' Peevski, Local Power Struggles at Pazardzhik Campaign Launch

Continue the Change Chair Assen Vassilev said on Saturday that he will pursue legal action for alleged slander by Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) Chair Delyan Peevski, whom he called ineffective and intimidating.

Vassilev spoke at the opening opened the coalition’s campaign in Pazardzhik, where local elections for municipal councillors will take place on October 12.

In response to questions by the media, Vassilev said that he will pursue court action over the alleged slander from Peevski. He also characterised Peevski’s behaviour as that of a helpless man who shouts and threatens. 

According to Vassilev, Bulgarian citizens, ministers, judges and prosecutors simply need to tell Peevski to return where he came from and not to overstep his powers. Vassilev argued that if voters in Pazardzhik turn out, it will not matter how many votes Peevski has purchased, given that, with just 20% turnout, such votes could make up half the total.

Addressing local residents, Vassilev said that the struggle in Pazardzhik mirrors that across Bulgaria: the new mayor, Petar Kulenski, who has started cleaning up the city, stands against the old mayor, who still controls the waste company. 

Vassilev urged residents to vote to ensure change is achieved peacefully, rather than allow themselves to be robbed and to “fill Delyan Peevski’s piggy bank”.

Vassilev also commented that he does not intend to act as an arbitrator between Peevski and GERB Leader Boyko Borissov. He claimed that Bulgaria currently has an unlawful Prosecutor General and that the Minister of Justice supported a law allowing for the Prosecutor General to be replaced after six months.

Vassilev called for the Supreme Judicial Council to convene its prosecutor and judicial panels to clarify the law’s intent, believing it is time to restore order in the country.

Addressing recent water shortages, Vassilev admitted he is not a water specialist but recalled that Parliament had set up a committee to address water issues before the situation became so acute. He emphasized that real work is needed.

Regarding the Pleven water shortages, Vassilev noted that each city had been invited to highlight its needs as early as December 2023. 

In Pazardzhik, the mayor requested a water project for Ivaylo village, which will soon be completed, despite delayed payments by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works. Vassilev said Pazardzhik’s issues have been resolved, and the neighbouring villages will be as well.