Disagreement emerged this week regarding the future structure of the coalition involving Yes, Bulgaria, and Continue the Change (CC), two of the three parties within the Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) alliance. Yes, Bulgaria has advanced its proposal to formalize its existing informal cooperation with Continue the Change and Democrats for Strong Bulgaria (DSB), suggesting a path toward unified party status. Despite shared objectives, Continue the Change has stated that the parties are not close to becoming a single entity.
Yes, Bulgaria co-leader Bozhidar Bozhanov emphasized that the focus must remain on voters and shared priorities, such as judicial reform, while confirming ongoing dialogue with CC. While Bozhanov acknowledged the informal collaboration since February 2023, he noted that the concept of formalizing the coalition, potentially through full unification, is now under discussion. Ivaylo Mirchev, another co-leader of Yes, Bulgaria, supported deeper integration, arguing that a consolidated political structure aligns with voter expectations in Bulgaria.
Conversely, Continue the Change pushed back against the notion of an immediate merger. Former prime minister and CC deputy leader Nikolay Denkov stated that while goals align, the methods for achieving them differ significantly. “We are very far from becoming one party with Yes, Bulgaria,” Denkov stated.
He suggested that the current proposals—either a common party or a complete separation—are overly extreme. Denkov maintained that the parties can cooperate while each retaining its distinct strengths, confirming that cooperation will continue in key areas like presidential elections, even if a formal merger is not imminent.
Topics: #bulgaria #continue #change
