The second debate about « Yes, Bulgaria »: Full Consensus for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia

The assistance for Ukraine, the euro area and the role of Bulgaria in the European Union – these were the main topics discussed by the contenders for the presidency of « Yes, Bulgaria » within the second leadership debate, which took place on Wednesday (April 23). The internal party choice is scheduled for April 27, when all members of the formation will choose their next leader.

Within the debate, all six candidates – Bozhidar Bozhanov, Veselina Alexandrova, Elisaveta Belobradova, Ivaylo Mirchev, Nadezhda Yordanova and Svilen Trifonov have united the thesis that support for Ukraine should continue.

The third and last leadership debate will be held on Friday, which will be on the subject of an internal party life.

Support for Ukraine

Without surprises, all candidates for the chairman of « Yes, Bulgaria » agreed on the thesis that Bulgaria’s support for Ukraine should continue. According to Ivaylo Mirchev, Bulgaria has provided a weapon with around 10 billion euros, according to him, if most European countries had provided Kiev to Kiev as many shells like Bulgaria, the war would probably end.

Svilen Trifonov pointed out that the support for Ukraine could be in the form of military equipment, repair of Ukrainian combat equipment, supply corridors and diplomatic assistance. Bozhidar Bozhanov also added the humanitarian aid for Ukrainian citizens. According to the two, the risk of Bulgaria falling under Russian influence increases if Ukraine is defeated.

Nadezhda Yordanova added that the peace negotiations for Ukraine should be conducted with the active participation of Kiev and on guarantees of sovereignty and territorial integrity. According to her, even after lasting peace, sanctions against Russia should not be removed and in no case can be used as a condition for the conclusion of a truce.

She pointed out that the country has not yet accepted normative acts to effectively apply the sanctions imposed. Elisabeth Belobradova also said that if lasting peace is reached, Ukraine should enter the European Union. « If this big army is not with us, it will be against us, » she added.

The role of Bulgaria in the European Union

Applicants also united the thesis that Bulgaria should have a more active role in the European Union. According to Nadezhda Yordanova, this goes with the application of the European Directives, some of which Bulgaria does not implement. Ivaylo Mirchev supported this thesis and stated: « We act as the 16th Republic of the USSR, not as part of the European Union. »

The former justice minister added that in the next legislation of the European Parliament « Yes, Bulgaria » must be able to broadcast his representative.

A policy for Bulgarians abroad

Bozhidar Bozhanov said that the greatest help for Bulgarians abroad was the facilitation of the administrative burden. According to him, the introduction of electronic government will contribute to this. Elisaveta Belobradova, as her priority, cited the aid for Sunday schools, which, in her words, is the way to preserve the Bulgarian language. Svilen Trifonov supported this idea and proposed measures for the return of Bulgarian citizens to the country.

Mirchev pointed out as his goal of attracting the Bulgarians abroad to the Public Council in the country, and Nadezhda Yordanova – an adaptation of Bulgarian schools of contemporary needs, financing of Bulgarian media abroad and counteracting initiatives to reduce the number of sections abroad.