"The current format has proven to be insufficiently effective in defending democratic principles and advocating for key reforms in Bulgaria. The vote by the National Council was preceded by extensive consultations with party members, which also indicated support for running outside the PP-DB coalition. The party has decided to run independently or in another coalition format. 'Green Movement' traditionally attracts broad participation from civic activists on its candidate lists," the party stated in a position sent to the media.
"Participating under a new format is significantly more challenging and comes with many uncertainties, but in the 'Green Movement,' we have the courage to uncompromisingly defend our causes for a clean environment and honest politics, as we have always done in the 16-year history of the party," they continued.
They also noted that their decision was influenced by the fact that they are part of a separate European political family—the European Green Party. The party clarified that the National Assembly's decision "does not allow coalition-building with the parties of the status quo, which undoubtedly includes GERB and DPS."
"Taking into account all the difficulties faced by the previous regular government, in which 'Green Movement' did not have a minister, the main problem is the lack of progress in the established priorities and reforms. Our voters expected serious reforms in the Constitution, the judicial system, and regulatory bodies, as well as positive changes related to the environment, citizen involvement in decision-making processes, a sustainable energy transition, and increased social justice," the party added.
They expressed gratitude to their partners from PP-DB for their joint efforts and the successes achieved, acknowledging that much more work lies ahead on their shared causes.
The "Green Movement" (formerly "The Greens") is a green political party founded on May 18, 2008, in Sofia. According to its charter, the party fights for "the protection of the environment and the preservation of nature as a constant guiding doctrine and priority in the current and future sustainable development of the state and civil society." The party has been a full member of the European Green Party (EGP) since May 12, 2013.
Currently, the "Green Movement" is co-chaired by Toma Belev and Daniela Bozhinova. Before them, the leading figures of the party were Vladislav Panev and Borislav Sandov. In 2021, they, along with the entire Executive Council of the party, resigned due to the "unsatisfactory results" in the elections at that time.
