The possible coalition will probably have parties ranging from Turkey's opponents to racist parties like ATAKA that used virulently anti-Turkish rhetoric all throughout the election campaign. Bulgaria, which has so far lent its support for Turkish membership in the EU, could change its mind and take a seat in the Sarkozy-Merkel camp, opposing Ankara's entry to the club.
The leader of the conservative Order, Law and Justice Party (RZS), Yane Yanev, who ran a heavily anti-Turkey campaign, took a step further, alleging that Turkey interfered in Bulgarian domestic affairs during the elections, a claim that has not been taken seriously by Ankara. Yanev also declared that they have already filed a complaint about “Turkish intervention” in EU institutions.
The strongest candidate for the post of prime minister, Sofia Mayor Boyko Borisov, has made controversial remarks in the past. Calling Turks, Roma and the retired the “bad human capital of Bulgaria” during a visit to the US in February, Borisov created a storm when he apparently backed one of the most brutal and shameful assimilation projects in the 20th century by the former communist dictator, Zhivkov, dubbing the campaign as “having the right goals but having been executed in the wrong way.” During an interview with BTV in October 2008, Borisov backed the brutal assimilation campaign but criticized its methods. Borisov served as the bodyguard of the former communist leader in the 1990s.
While likely coalition partners like the racist Ataka and the right-wing RZS are vehemently against possible Turkish membership, Borisov has a more cautious approach. Known for his close relationship with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Borisov, when asked about his position on Turkish membership, said in a recent interview: “The EU has certain criteria for the admission of any single state. If someone meets the criteria, this means they've obeyed all European norms. I am convinced that Turkey will not meet the membership criteria for at least 20-30 more years. So it is pointless to argue; it is not worth complicating our relations with the Turkish state over pointless arguments.”
