site.btaEuropean and Conservative Reformists’ MEP Ivaylo Valchev's Mission: Clarity for Bulgarian Voters in European Elections

There Is Such a People (TISP) and European and Conservative Reformists (ECR) MEP Ivaylo Valchev told journalists on Thursday that his personal aim is for people in Bulgaria to understand what they are voting for in the next elections, which are scheduled for five years from now.

He pointed out that voters were electing representatives for a parliament that influences Europe's policy. Valchev mentioned that he wanted citizens to understand the European Parliament and the European parties, stressing that voting should be based on a clear understanding of which European party they were supporting, not just on sympathy.

"In Bulgaria, there's a common belief that decisions in Brussels and Strasbourg occur independently, and that we must send a few Bulgarians to safeguard our country from negative outcomes. This is not true. People should understand that, just as they vote for the Bulgarian Parliament, they also vote for the European Parliament," Valchev said.

He noted that it should be understood that, for example, voting for TISP is akin to voting for ECR here, which means they should know what their policies are.

Valchev also said that he has outlined several tasks for this term and has no personal ambitions, as he was elected by the voters of a specific party, whom he is obligated to represent.

Below is the full text of the interview:

Have you been able to work effectively with the Bulgarian delegation?

From the very first day, we have understood each other. Naturally, we have political differences because we represent different political views, but we are united by matters important to Bulgaria. On Tuesdays in the European Parliament, we hold meetings with the entire delegation to discuss the upcoming agenda and issues that may affect our country in the coming weeks and months. We have reached an understanding on multiple issues that are crucial for Bulgaria. For instance, we unanimously agree that our country should be responsible for its own borders, rather than having Frontex take over the security. We must be accountable ourselves, but for this to happen, Europe needs to invest. It should invest not only in the northern borders. We explained to our colleagues that the southern border is also key, and they agreed. We seek shared responsibility, rather than placing the entire burden on border countries without providing any assistance. However, it is important that the assistance allows Bulgaria the opportunity to protect its own borders.

What is your opinion on the newly formed Bulgarian government?

Bulgaria appears quite different here, and I sense it even from the conversations we have within our group. As soon as the ECR group learned about it, they immediately expressed a desire to be helpful in some way. I believe this government will be quite pragmatic. Just yesterday, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov demonstrated this through his conduct. We have witnessed how, in recent years, Bulgarian prime ministers have come only for pats on the back and photo opportunities. Yesterday [Wednesday], Zhelyazkov demonstrated a calm and pragmatic approach, fully understanding what needs to be done for our country and expressing a strong desire to make it happen.

Naturally, there will be times when ideological differences arise in discussions, as parties with varying political views and objectives come together, but each has made important political compromises. Our goal is for the people of Bulgaria to soon experience the advantages of a regularly elected government.

Are you able to navigate the "Brussels-speak"?

The "Brussels-speak" often sounds robotic, as if two machines are talking. Luckily, I am part of the ECR group, which appreciates straightforward communication and avoids this artificial jargon. We refer to things by their actual names because that is the natural way to communicate. For example, when it comes to defending the rights of women who are about to give birth, we speak of pregnant women, not a person ready to give life to another person. The initial goal was to develop a language free of ambiguities, but rather than simplifying the work of institutions, it has started to function as a cover to hide more things. In my view, this "newspeak" is already depicted in Orwell's book "1984."