Photo by Yuliana Nikolova (Sofia News Agency)
Petar Kirilov Beron was born in Sofia in 1940. He is a graduate of the Biology Geology-Geography Department of Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski". Beron began his political activities as member of the independent Ecoglasnost movement. He was Secretary of the United Democratic Forces Chairman of the coalition. In June 1991 he was elected member of the 7th Grand National Assembly. In the presidential election in 1992 he ran for president, with Geroge Ganchev, leader of the Business Block, as his running mate. In 2001 he ran for President.
Beron is currently deputy chairman of nationalist coalition Attack (Ataka), the fourth largest parliamentary force. Sofia News Agency reporter Despina Koleva approached Beron on the issue of handing a third government formation mandate.
Q: What will be Attack's positions in case a third government formation mandate is handed?
A: We can speak about a third mandate when the second mandate is exhausted. However, we think that the Movement for Rights and freedoms should not participate in this government and should remain an opposition force for at least one mandate. So that it rationalizes its actions and stops playing around with Bulgaria as they have done up till now.
With regard to the second mandate, we have already said the Bulgarian Socialist Part and Simeon II National Movement have enough MPs to form a government by themselves. In case some other party, like Bulgarian People's Union, supports them, it is going to be Simeon II who will receive votes. Nonetheless, if the aim is a constitutional majority, which can modify the Constitution at all costs, let them create it. In that case, we will be in opposition. When good constitutional modifications are made we will vote for them.
Q: What would you strive for as an opposition force?
A: Firstly, we strive towards a deserving attitude towards Bulgaria and Bulgarians. We are not against Bulgaria's joining the European Union. On the contrary, we insist that predetermined deadlines are kept. However, we maintain that negotiations with the EU are held, not that we say "yes" even before we have heard what we are being asked. First and foremost, we insist on keeping the national dignity of Bulgaria and Bulgarians and the Bulgarian interests, which is natural. It looks unnatural because foreign lackeys have ruled us. We are not used to thinking of Bulgaria as a dignified country with its own opinion.
Q: Has anything changed in your position regarding the prospect of early elections?
A: No, nothing has changed. Early elections would confuse the schedule for EU accession and would create great tension and unnecessary expenses. Another negative aspect is that there is no prospect of changing the National Assembly. No party has the opportunity to obtain such majority as to form create a government without considerable maneuvers.
The positive side for us is that we will have much more votes and seats in parliament. Nonetheless, we will not have so much support as to be worth such complications that would slow down Bulgaria's development by four or five months.
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