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© Julia Lazarova
“In recent years, democracy in Bulgaria has receded. And Borisov has practically turned Bulgaria into a one-party state,” former US ambassador to Sofia James Pardew told the State Council in an interview with Alexander Andreev.
Mr. Pardew, are you following developments in Bulgaria? What is your opinion about them?
– Since my years as the US Ambassador to Bulgaria, I have a lifelong bond with the Bulgarian people and a deep respect for Bulgaria, its history and culture. So yes, I follow the news about what is happening in Bulgaria as closely as possible. I am not surprised by the ongoing demonstrations in Sofia and other cities. They are an expression of the long-standing disappointment of the Bulgarian people with the level of corruption, the weakness of the rule of law, the strength of the oligarchs and organized crime in the country.
In many respects, democracy in Bulgaria has regressed in recent years. Prime Minister Borissov has effectively turned Bulgaria into a one-party state with no serious political opposition as an alternative to voters. Freedom of the press is extremely limited and the rule of law is highly problematic. Society is already tired of the constant imposition of its own interests. As a result, people took to the streets to express their dissatisfaction with the current government, but only the removal of several people from power will not solve the structural problems of Bulgarian democracy.
Is there an official position from the United States on these events, the State Department and the White House? The US Embassy in Sofia issued a statement that led to the protest in Bulgaria.
– I am sure that the United States government and especially the United States Embassy in Sofia are following the situation very closely. I hope that the United States supports not the individual, but the principles of democracy: freedom of the press, freedom of speech and assembly, the rule of law, free and fair elections, and public choice between rival political parties. Ambassador Mustafa’s statement on the importance of the right to peaceful protest in a democracy was excellent. People have the right to peacefully express their dissatisfaction with a government when that government does not meet the basic standards of democracy.
Can Boyko Borissov count on the support of the United States? His visit to the White House in 2019 was presented as a great success in Bulgaria.
– The Bulgarian people are an important ally and, of course, can count on the support of the United States now and in the future. As for the Prime Minister, the United States recognizes the constitutionally elected leader of Bulgaria and any other nation. And they are generally not tied to a specific person. The meeting at the White House in 2019 was a success for Bulgaria.
I greatly appreciate it as an expression of gratitude for the fact that Bulgaria has purchased the F-16 military aircraft. The replacement of old Soviet-era aircraft with new NATO machines significantly improved the Bulgarian Air Force. The meeting was also an opportunity for the two leaders to directly express their views at the highest level on other important issues between the two countries. It is very important that the United States ensure that Bulgaria does not depend exclusively and solely on Russia as its sole source of energy. And I’m sure that was a central theme at the meeting.
What role does Bulgaria play in American foreign policy? Relations with Russia and Turkey, membership of NATO, energy projects?
– Bulgaria is very important to American foreign policy. Bulgaria is an ally of NATO, a member of the European Union and, in principle at least, is committed to Western democratic values. In addition, the country occupies a key position in the strategic land bridge between East and West.
Bulgaria’s historical and cultural ties with Russia are important, as are its geographical proximity and long-standing relations with Turkey. Russia retains significant influence in Bulgaria, but under Putin this fact is not a positive thing, as the Bulgarians themselves well understand. It is particularly worrying that Moscow dominates the energy sector in Bulgaria. That is why Washington continues to emphasize that energy diversity is the best option for Bulgaria.
His successor as US ambassador to Sofia, John Beyrle, sent a negative report on Boyko Borissov’s past to Washington. Did you have this information yourself? And can he be trusted?
– Each ambassador should provide his national leadership with a realistic assessment of the leaders, the government, and the situation in the country in which he represents the United States. I am convinced that Washington has no illusions about the Prime Minister or the situation in Bulgaria.
What is your forecast for the development of the situation in Bulgaria?
– The size, scope and duration of these demonstrations make them an important expression of resistance to the current government. And the prime minister’s actions so far have not satisfied the protesters.
With this development, it is unclear whether the Borisov government will be able to survive. I am very hopeful that at some point stable and competitive political parties with a democratic agenda will emerge to challenge the current one-party regime. Perhaps these demonstrations will give birth to new leaders and opposition parties. We will see. Furthermore, the demands are currently aimed only at the removal of the prime minister, the protesters do not raise a platform for reforms that will improve the state of democracy in Bulgaria. And the problems with democracy in Bulgaria are not from yesterday, they exceed the mandate of a prime minister.
Fundamental reforms are needed in the areas of the rule of law, accountability to voters, equal opportunity, and freedom of the media. The current situation is volatile, making it difficult to predict the future accurately. Ultimately, the protesters and the prime minister must come up with a sustainable solution. Personally, I would ask both parties to find a peaceful solution to the protests.
