This past weekend, ALDE Party member We Continue the Change (PP) held its Congress in Sofia, Bulgaria, gathering members and supporters at a pivotal moment for the country and re-affirming that change continues with the party at the forefront.
The Congress reaffirmed the party’s commitment to democratic values, accountability and European integration, while also sending a strong message on the rule of law and human rights.
During the event, Assen Vassilev was elected as the leader of the party and delegates adopted the party’s new policy platform, outlining priority areas for the party’s focus in the coming years.
"What I can promise you is that we will not give up until we see a rich, fair Bulgaria, in which we are proud of our past, happy in our present and peaceful for our future!", he said in his speech to delegates.
“We are here to say that there is another fairer way to distribute the funds and that no one in Bulgaria should be afraid. "
Former leader and Prime Minister Kiril Petkov also delivered a speech. He said:
“I deeply hope that anti-corruption will remain embedded in our party's DNA. I believe that only free people have a place in PP. No one is bigger than the cause, and the cause is Bulgaria. And with actions, not words, we must fulfill this cause. Priority number one today and tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow, is that Blago, Nikki, Jordan and Nikola will be free."
The party established an Ethics board and also elected a new Executive board, including Blagomir Kotsev, the elected Mayor of Varna who is currently being held in pre-trial detention without charge. A seat was kept symbolically reserved for him in the front row of the Congress hall. His case has drawn international concern, with growing recognition that his detention constitutes politically motivated persecution.
This concern resonated across the Congress, amplified by a powerful video address from ALDE Party President Svenja Hahn as well as from Renew Europe President Valerie Hayer.
In her message, Hahn called for the immediate release from custody of Mayor Kotsev and other political prisoners and highlighted the importance of European solidarity in defending democratic rights.
President Hahn said: “… rights, institutional independence and the presumption of innocence must be respected. Bulgarian democracy is stronger when political competition is decided at the ballot box, and not through pressure and intimidation. Change is never easy, but it is a mission.”
In her message, President Hayer added: “Bulgarian democracy is currently going through a very worrying period, threatened by a government that is increasing its attacks on justice ... Bulgaria belongs to the EU and we cannot remain indifferent when we see that your country is moving away from democracy.”
You can watch President Hahn's message below on YouTube here.
Photo: We Continue the Change