Atanas Atanasov of WCC-DB: “Elections Are the Only Way Out”

“The protest was political, convened and organised by our coalition. The voice of the people is the voice of God. The people on the square told us they want a resignation,” said Atanas Atanasov of 'We Continue the Change–Democratic Bulgaria' and leader of the 'Democrats for a Strong Bulgaria' (DSB), speaking on the BNT programme 'More From the Day' on December 3.

“We asked about ten days ago for the budget to be withdrawn, and at the time we were told this was the only possible budget. Now this ‘only possible’ budget has been consigned to history,” he said.

Atanasov said that they represent the people who took to the square and demanded “Resignation”.

He added that they had “seen very clearly that the police treated some people in one way, and others in quite another”.

“Those provocateurs were organised and were most likely given a corridor by the police,” he said.

Along with Minister of Interior, Daniel Mitov, the head of the Sofia Directorate of the Interior (SDVR) must also go, Atanasov insisted. The reason: “You cannot lie in such a brazen manner. They knew perfectly well the planned route of the march.”

“We will rely on citizens; we will rely on young people,” Atanasov said.

“I don’t know what manoeuvres the government will attempt, but the only way out is elections.”

Atanasov commented that Boyko Borissov (GERB Leader) had acted appropriately.

“Withdrawing the budget might have calmed people down, but clearly the accumulation of energy within society, especially among young people, overcame fear. Because they were afraid for so long. Apparently they came out and said enough with the fear."

“The only way out is elections, unless the government digs its heels in like a donkey on a bridge — but I won’t remind you what happened in 2020,” Atanasov said.

The DSB leader noted that the forthcoming no-confidence vote would focus on a specific policy area.

He was firm that no majority would be formed with pro-Russian forces.

“We cannot cooperate with political forces that want to destroy the EU, NATO and Bulgaria’s European path.”