POLITICAL REACTIONS IN BULGARIA TO DONALD TRUMP’S US ELECTION VICTORY

Bulgarian politicians commented the election of Donald Trump to become the 45th President of the US.

Some Bulgarian MPs demanded the parliamentary committee on foreign policy to discuss the results of the elections in the USA. Some described Trump’s victory as surprising, others said it was expected because the American people wanted a change.

Bulgaria’s President Rossen Plevneliev sent a congratulatory message to the US President-elect Donald Trump on 9th of November.

He notes that as strategic partners, Bulgaria and the United States share common views and similar assessment of the most important world events and only joint efforts is a way to successfully counter the present-day challenges and threats.

The Bulgarian Head of State also brings up the issue of lifting the visa restrictions for Bulgarian citizens travelling to the US as one of the top topics in the dialogue between the two countries.

Tsvetan Tsvetanov, main ruling party GERB said that Trump should not be expected to cause a dramatic change in US policies and bilateral relations. "I am sure that with a strong democracy and well-working state institutions (as America's), there is no reason why they shouldn't continue to work as they have been until now," said Tsvetanov.

Kristian Vigenin, Socialist MP and former Foreign Minister: “We respect the choice of the American people. Although surprising, he (Trump) achieved a huge victory in the United States and this is indicative that people want change.”

Dimitar Bairaktarov, Patriotic Front: "Personally, I'm not surprised. Trump, firstly, speaks language which is closer to the ordinary Americans and is more easily perceived, and secondly, Clinton is part of the establishment which did not make any fundamental difference to the lives of ordinary Americans.”

Rumen Hristov, centre-right Reformist Bloc: "I was Trump’s supporter from the very start. When I think back and recollect how much was said about Ronald Reagan as being a person who did not have experience in politics, but indeed his terms in office were among the most successful. Amerika is an old democracy and has many mechanisms that would prevent voluntary statements or action by the president.”

Radan Kanev, leader of the right-wing Democrats for Strong Bulgaria party: "I expected this result. The tide of sentiment against the status quo is something specific about American politics. What we should work for is to strengthen the relations in NATO, because Mr. Trump clearly expressed some reservations. "