Socialists Convene at Mt. Buzludja, PM Vows Not to Resign

 Thousands of supporters of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) gathered at a traditional party convention on Mt. Bouzloudja in Stara Planina mountain range on Saturday.

In a message to the participants in the convention, prime minister Plamen Oresharski said he will comply with the will of the majority and continue to perform his duties.

"The most vocal ones are not always the most righteous; the essence of democracy is to fight for the rights of every single person," Oresharski said in the message, as quoted by the Sofia News Agency (novinite.com). “I will not be the PM to take away from people their rights and freedoms. I am open for discussion with all of them.”

Thousands of people have been rallying in Sofia for over a month now, accusing the government of serving oligarchic interests, and demanding its resignation.

Oresharski thanked all those who, in his words, "don't oppose everything and everyone, have ideas, and are ready to use the energy of society," for their support, adding they were giving him strength to carry on with his duties and stock by his decision not to resign.

According to interior ministry data, 35,000 people gathered at Mt. Buzludja. The BSP puts the forum’s attendance at 50,000.