Dispute Over Party Headquarters: The State Demands DPS and BSP Properties

The ruling coalition has set a ten-day deadline for the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS) to vacate its headquarters at 23 Vrachcha St., while simultaneously expressing the BSP's intention to leave its long-standing office at 20 Pozitano St. According to the government's official position, these actions are driven by the need for more efficient and full-scale use of state assets.

Deputy Prime Minister Ivan Shishkov stated that the building on Vrachcha St. has already been transferred to the National Revenue Agency (NRA). In his words, the state should not lose opportunities for more beneficial use of its properties and will not grant priority to DPS in management. He emphasized that after the socialists vacate the building, it will be assessed how it can be used more effectively.

Journalist Petyo Tsekov noted that DPS has not actually been fully utilizing the Vrachcha building, as they began serious renovations after receiving it, which means the NRA will receive a building that is already furnished and renovated.

Criticism of Lack of Motivation and "Political Show"

Petyo Tsekov questioned the administrative logic of the decision, reminding that the same state provided the building to DPS less than two years ago. According to him, the transfer of the property is linked to the political context of autumn 2024, when Dimitar Glavchev's caretaker cabinet provided the building during a period of talks between GERB and various wings of DPS.

Tsekov defines the situation as a "political show" aimed at the public and notes that the ten-day deadline lacks a clear legal basis. He adds that taking away the building does not change the political influence of Delyan Peevski, and that true change requires breaking the links between business, the judicial system, and political power.

Regarding the BSP, Tsekov made an important distinction, pointing out that the BSP is no longer a parliamentary force, which makes the existence of a massive headquarters in the center of Sofia unjustified relative to their political weight.

Historical Heritage and Memories

The former Chief Architect of Sofia, Petar Dikov, emphasized the historical value of the party buildings. He pointed to "Pozitano" 20 as a legendary location with an area of over 6,000 sq.m., which before 1989 was home to ABPOF, and later to the BSP.

Dikov also recalled the history of the building at 134 Rakovski St., which was originally owned by KNIPITUGA, but in 1981, by oral order of Ognyan Doynov, was provided to the Bulgarian Industrial and Economic Association, later becoming the headquarters of the SDS.

Tsekov added to the picture with stories of internal battles within the SDS during the 90s—memories of changing cabinet handles and luggage left in sacks at the entrance, as well as legends of eavesdropping devices left over from State Security that caused suspicion among members.

According to Dikov and Tsekov, modern political formations in Bulgaria have not had their own headquarters for 36 years, relying instead on state properties. The journalist concludes that the real political process has long since moved from official meeting halls to informal spaces such as hotels and restaurants.