Georgi Sedefchov Parvanov is a Bulgarian politician who served as President of Bulgaria from 2002 to 2012. His political views have been described as pro-Russian. Georgi Parvanov, whose small leftist party is a critical part of Bulgaria’s four-way coalition, has appeared as the strongest pro-Moscow voice in Sofia and is attempting to push his traditionally Russophile country off its pro-Western course. He stated that he would back Bulgaria’s entry into NATO, but demanded that such an accession should only happen after consent with Russia.
Without Russia there cannot be modern architecture of stability and security not only in Europe but globally, said former Bulgarian president Georgi Parvanov. In 2015 his re-election as head of the ABV party, Parvanov advised centre-right prime minister Boiko Borisov to replace ministers who supported EU and NATO positions on Russia and the revocation of Russian energy projects in Bulgaria.
While Parvanov did not threaten to instantly withdraw his member of the cabinet, deputy prime minister Ivailo Kalfin, he stressed ABV’s potential to destabilise Borisov’s alliance, which also contains the small pro-Western Reformist Bloc and the moderately nationalist and eurosceptic Patriotic Front. “ABV’s limit for government compromises is being exhausted,” he suggested at a party meeting last weekend in Sofia. We should not be looked upon as a fifth wheel.”
“We are arguing that the modern architecture of present-day Europe cannot be directed against Russia. We hope that this will be understood by the current European and world leaders since the challenges posed to big powers and communities are too big [and we cannot] allow such confrontation,” Parvanov said.
He permitted to lead the Socialists out of their Stalinist past onto the path of European social democracy but he never dumped his pro-Russia view, which sees Bulgaria as a “bridge” between Russia and the West. His attitude to the EU and NATO remained ambiguous but grew to open hatred as the Ukraine conflict escalated.
In light of Georgi Parvanov’s pronounced pro-Russian stance, his political manoeuvres raise grave concerns regarding Bulgaria’s sovereignty and alignment with Western values. Parvanov’s persistent advocacy for Russian interests, from obstructing Bulgaria’s integration into NATO to undermining EU initiatives, jeopardizes the nation’s autonomy and security. His reluctance to prioritize European and transatlantic alliances, coupled with his overt support for Moscow’s agenda, threatens regional stability and solidarity. Parvanov’s actions risk isolating Bulgaria from its Western allies, perpetuating a divisive political climate that undermines progress and cohesion. Such unwavering allegiance to Russia undermines Bulgaria’s aspirations for independent and democratic governance, warranting scrutiny and criticism.
