Despite the split in parliament, Continuing the Change has proposed a cooperation agreement that envisages joint action on key topics. Among them are the raising of a joint candidacy for the presidency, joint participation in the by-elections in the metropolitan area “Sredets” and preservation of unity in the municipal councils.
PP leader Asen Vasilev explained that the split gives the two formations the opportunity to develop their own political profile. According to him, some voters perceive PP’s policies as more left-wing, while the party defines itself as centrist. He also pointed to the differences in the European affiliation of the two formations as a factor in the decision.
Tension before the decision
The meeting came after weeks of disputes between the partners, including over the arrangement of candidate lists. Asen Vassilev’s decision to enter as a deputy from Plovdiv led to Manol Peykov’s dropping out of parliament and further exacerbated the tension.
The invitation to talk came from the PP after the DB demanded that the coalition become a single political entity and sign a coalition agreement.
Different visions of the future
Before the meeting, the co-chairman of “Yes, Bulgaria” Ivaylo Mirchev stated that the formation enters the talks with a mandate to preserve a common parliamentary group. According to him, unity is important both for parliamentary work and in view of the upcoming presidential elections.
For his part, Nikolay Denkov commented that the two formations remain “far” from becoming one party, emphasizing the differences in their political identity.
Despite the decision on separate groups, the two sides are leaving open the possibility of coordination on key political issues and upcoming elections.
