Former European Commissioner and former Bulgarian Presidential runner Meglena Kuneva announced officially the transformation of her civic movement to a political party on Europe Day, May 9.

"Bulgaria for Citizens" will provide solutions for Bulgarians, so that they may have an alternative other than Terminal 2," said Meglena Kuneva at the event in the Danube town of Ruse, referring to the large number of Bulgarians leaving the country in search of a better life.

"I do not want to pursue policy, which was made up in an office, I do not want you to listen to what I have to say, I want to listen to what you have to say. This will be a political project of competent people, who can make a good team, people who believe in themselves," she added.

Many of Kuneva's supporters have been attracted by her particularly "European" appeal.

The new party will inherit the civic movement's name (Bulgaria for Citizens). The two organizations will work simultaneously in trying to attract new and young followers, including many women.

The new party, designed as an ambitious long-term project, will be registered at the beginning of this year's political season, but no later than the end of September.

"We want to bring Bulgaria back to its citizens, to give people the confidence that their voice is heard," said Meglena Kuneva.

According to her the new party's biggest advantage is its strong team of economists, administrators and experts, perfectly versed in European affairs.

Kuneva did not hide her ambition to turn the party into the leading political force in Bulgaria, but conceded that this will be a long process.

She voiced hopes that in the upcoming parliamentary elections next year her party will manage to garner at least 15% of the votes, a result which she polled as an independent candidate for president in 2011.

Bulgaria’s biggest problem now is its weak economy, which is a direct result of the lack of democracy, according to Kuneva. Therefore, "Bulgaria for citizens" will assign top priority to its economic program, which focuses on property safety and security.

According to the latest poll conducted by the Mediana agency, a total of 5.5% of Bulgarians voters would vote for Bulgaria for Citizens at the next parliamentary elections, provided it becomes a party. The poll results were released on Tuesday.

In March, Kuneva discontinued her membership in the liberal National Movement for Stability and Prosperity party.

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