Raising Bulgarian civil society awareness about its powers to take decisions, exercise control over institution and put them under pressure when their work is inefficient will be among the priorities of the newly set up "December 14" civil committee, which held its Constituent Assembly February 17.

The committee's statute sets as a chief aim the restoration of supremacy of the law via a new Public Contract. In achieving this, the committee plans a wide range of events, including discussions, meetings and protest marches.

Equality of all members of the committee and lack of hierarchy were stressed by Edvin Sugarev, former deputy chair of rightist Union of Democratic Forces and National Coordinator of "December 14" civil committee, at a press conference February 18.

We believe that Bulgaria suffers from a huge deficit of trust in politicians, Sugarev said. In his words this is a dangerous precondition for blockage of state institutions.

Civil society in Bulgaria hardly exists, while Bulgarians do not feel they can act as a corrective of the state, Sugarev said.

As a non-political, independent organization the committee will not take part in elections, but it vows active participation in Bulgaria's political life.

Asked about his position on holding early elections in Bulgaria, Sugarev said that this is the only way out for Bulgaria. The earlier, the better, he said.

In the opinion of Sugarev right-wing opposition Union of Democratic Forces has failed in its dialogue with the NGOs and has disappointed many people.

The European project in Bulgaria must be defended by parties with clearly set priorities and aims, which will react timely to the urgent issues on Bulgaria's agenda, he pointed out.

During the last several months Sugarev made a stir with his accusations against Chief Prosecutor Nikola Filchev of exercising pressure on politicians, journalists and magistrates. Later on, Sugarev linked the chief Prosecutor to the murder of Nikolay Kolev from the Supreme Administrative Prosecutor's Office who was shot dead on December 28th.