The Bulgarian government has decided to transfer the building at 23 Vrabcha Street in Sofia, currently used as the headquarters of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS), to the National Revenue Agency (NRA). The Council of Ministers also announced that the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) will have to vacate its longtime headquarters at 20 Positano Street.
Regional Development Minister Ivan Shishkov announced the decision following the Cabinet meeting, saying the government intends to make more effective use of state-owned property. According to him, the building occupied by the DPS is disproportionately large for the party's current needs.
"Our idea is to use this building because it is quite disproportionately large for the DPS," Shishkov said. He added that state-owned buildings should serve the interests of the administration and the public. "A working administration and a working state should be stronger than political backstage," he stated.
The minister stressed that the DPS would not be left without office space. He said the government is preparing a separate decision to provide the party with another headquarters.
DPS leader Delyan Peevski said the party would challenge the decision in court. He argued that the DPS has a valid contract for the property and has invested significant funds in renovating the building. "The DPS has a valid contract, under which we are in order," Peevski said, adding that the party expects the government to provide "an adequate building for the party headquarters."
