May 21 (BTA) - Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) leader
Kornelia Ninova on Friday predicted the emergence of a broad
left-wing coalition. With early parliamentary elections about 50
 days away, Ninova told a news conference at BSP Headquarters:
"There will be a broad left-wing coalition. Such a coalition is
not easy to manage, but it is necessary for Bulgaria,
particularly amid the socio-economic crisis and after 10 years
of GERB party rule."

Ninova said BSP has sought dialogue for left-wing unity and for
opening up to the centre-left segment of the political spectrum.
 Talks have been underway for a couple of weeks now. Agreements
will begin to be signed on Saturday. BSP is best prepared for a
coalition with ABV, Movement 21 and Normal State, Ninova said.
She noted that she is in charge of the talks on BSP's behalf.

"We will run in the elections in the BSP for Bulgaria format.
This is the name we will use to register at the Central Election
 Commission on May 26. We will keep the partners we have had up
until now," the Socialist leader said.

The idea is that the future broad left-wing coalition will be
active during the elections to the 46th National Assembly, with
an option to prolong its existence during later elections.

Asked whether BSP and the broad coalition might support former
president and former Socialist leader Georgi Purvanov if he bids
 for the presidency again this autumn, Ninova said: "I heard
people speculate about that yesterday or I may have read about
it somewhere. This is obviously another attempt to drive a wedge
 between us and [incumbent] President Radev."

The Socialists have not talked with ex-prime minister and former
 BSP leader Zhan Videnov, who has stated his intention to run in
 the July 11 elections. They tried several times to talk with
former national ombudsman and ex-Socialist MP Maya Manolova
before the regular parliamentary elections on April 4, but the
hand they extended was rejected, Ninova said.

In addition to changes in the BSP campaign headquarters, there
will also be revisions to the party's election strategy and its
list of candidates. "Next week, we will have a new executive
bureau as well," Ninova said. RI/VE

//