GERB-UDF welcomed the EPP's leading candidate for the European elections, Ursula von der Leyen, and EPP chairman Manfred Weber in Plovdiv, BGNES reported.
"You were by Bulgaria's side in the most difficult times. Thank you that, together with you, we were an example of zero illegal migration, and you were the ones who gave us 154 million euros to protect our border."

This was stated by GERB leader Boiko Borisov, addressing von der Leyen and Manfred Weber.

Borisov stated that it is good that the elections are 2 in 1, but if the party leaders do not show maturity, nothing will change after June 9. "I've heard so much bragging that I don't see how it's going to happen." However, people want security, and this is done through a secure government," Borisov said.

He emphasized that with their voice the EU will be well governed in the coming years. "This is the moment to mention that Russia has no right to interfere in the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Russia should not interfere in the election of the patriarch," the GERB leader urged.

For her part, Ursula von der Leyen quoted bulgarian national hero Hristo Botev.

GERB and the European People's Party will not allow extremists to destroy the Europe of values, said the President of the European Commission.

She congratulated the Bulgarians on the occasion of Botev's Day and those who died for the freedom and independence of Bulgaria and recited the words of the national hero.

"Botev is the poet who lived and died in the name of the freedom and independence of Bulgaria. Botev declared that he who falls in the fight for freedom does not die," Von der Leyen recalled.

She thanked Borisov and said that when she came to Bulgaria at his invitation, she was impressed by his story that in one square kilometer in Sofia there is an Orthodox church, a synagogue, a mosque and a Catholic church - a symbol of the free spirit of Bulgaria and Europe .

"Bulgaria and Europe are a symbol of tolerance. Let's keep this," urged the chairman of the EC and a candidate for a second term.

"Today, our values ​​are under attack by extremists, demagogues, whether far-left or far-right - from "Alternative for Germany" to "National Front" in France, from ""Confederation" in Poland to "Revival" in Bulgaria. Their names are different, but their goals are the same - they want to trample our values ​​and destroy our Europe. GERB and the European People's Party will not allow this to happen. United, we can move mountains for the good of Europe", stressed Von der Leyen.

The Chairman of the Commission once again thanked Boiko Borisov, GERB and the Bulgarian people for the key support for Ukraine.

"No one wants peace more than the people of Ukraine. They are fighting for their land, but also for our security. We must stand by them today and in the future to achieve justice and peace. All of Europe should thank Bulgaria," she said.

Von der Leyen called for the strengthening of the European defense industry and pointed out that Bulgaria can play a significant role in this process.

On migration issues, she pointed out that Europe has fulfilled its international obligations and added:

"We Europeans will decide who comes to the European Union and under what conditions, not traffickers and smugglers."

As the main priority for the next term, von der Leyen outlined the reduction of bureaucracy by 25% and support for farmers in Europe.

"GERB and EPP will always support farmers", she stressed.

"The support leaves no doubt. Next Sunday, GERB will win the parliamentary and European elections in Bulgaria. In a week, the EPP will win the European elections and will continue to be the driving force of the EU for the next five years." This was stated by the chairman of the European People's Party (EPP) Manfred Weber in Plovdiv.

"While others create only chaos, GERB is a party of experience and stability. You, Boiko, are a true European leader with proven experience. Under your leadership, Bulgaria joined the European banking union, kept secure borders and had incredible economic growth. You give Bulgaria is a strong voice not only in the EPP, but also in the entire EU," Weber said.

"Good management also means using the regional and cohesion funds to ensure growth in Bulgaria, and this is what you have done. Thanks to the good management of EU funds, not only wonderful infrastructure has become possible under the leadership of your governments such as the extension of the Sofia metro and the Trakia highway, but also homes for the elderly, schools and roads. You make sure that the Bulgarians in the cities and villages feel the benefit of the EU," Weber emphasized. | BGNES