The left wing of the Bulgarian Socialist Party officially nominated front bench MP Yanaki Stoilov as its choice for the party's presidential candidate at a forum Sunday.

Stoilov, on his part argued that the party must get clear about its fundamental expectations from the person it nominates for presidential candidate for the fall elections.

Regarding his nomination, he stated he will not press his candidacy unless he sees he is broadly supported by a large number of fellow socialists.

"BSP has a plenty of potential presidential candidates, but few substantial ideas about the essence of the presidential institutions and the role of the next president of Bulgaria," stated Stoilov, who is also the leader of the leftist wing within the party.

"The calling of the president is to work for national unity, which is an achievable task if one defends the interests of the majority and fights for equality and tolerance," argued the socialist, adding "The president is obliged to formulate the crucial issues facing the nation and to consistently work out and defend solutions."

Stoilov also stated that although he does not see the presidential institution as one of opposition to the government, the next Bulgarian president must present a vision for the country opposed to that of current PM Boyko Borisov and his center-right GERB cabinet.

The socialist also argued for a completely transparent process of presidential nomination by his party, excluding all behind-the-stage bargaining.

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