Bulgarian Socialist Party leader Sergey Stanishev (L) meeting young people in Sofia. Photo by BGNES
The ruling GERB party is on a campaign to overwhelm all state powers and to lead Bulgaria to ruin, stated leader of the Bulgarian Socialist Party and ex-PM Sergey Stanishev Sunday.
Speaking at a national convention of the socialists, Stanishev stated that the legislative has been turned to "crutches" of the GERB cabinet, while the judiciary is being severly pressured by the executive in a bid on the part of PM Boyko Borisov to take hold of all state institutions.
The socialist leader met BSP mayors from across Bulgaria to discuss upcoming municipal and presidential elections in 2011.
"GERB are so insolent as to think that even if they nominate an ass for the position of president, then they candidate is still going to win. But they are wrong," stated Stanishev.
Regarding the nomination of a Socialist Party presidential candidate, the ex-PM stated that the party needs to consult current President Georgi Parvanov to find the best candidate.
This is a somewhat novel development, as Parvanov (who chaired BSP before Stanishev) and Stanishev in the past years have been having a rather lukewarm relationship.
On the other hand, Stanishev also said that there is no alternative to GERB that can leave the Socialist Party out. This is also clearly a remark directed at Parvanov, who has been launching hints that he will take up a new, "alternative" political project once his second term as president is over.
In light of the draft 2011 budget, Stanishev stated that "Nothing good awaits Bulgarians during next year," voicing fears over the country's economy and inadequate funding of vital sectors such as health.
Stanishev stated that BSP needs to brace up and unite to pose a serious alternative to GERB at the upcoming elections.