The "We Continue the Change" party is proposing three specific actions to end the hunger strike by musicians from the BNR Symphony Orchestra and to resolve the staffing and financial crisis within the institution.
According to the party, the situation is abnormal for a European country. The issue is not merely about pay, but whether Bulgaria supports its own professional musical ensembles responsible for the creation, performance, and preservation of the national musical culture.
The proposed measures include:
- immediate additional funding for BNR's musical ensembles to address the current crisis;
- securing sustainable funds within the 2027 budget framework to develop BNR's four musical ensembles – the Mixed Choir, the Big Band, the Symphony Orchestra, and the Folk Music Orchestra;
- the immediate commencement of joint work between representatives of the musical ensembles, BNR, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Culture to reform the funding model and the legal status of the ensembles.
In a position released by the party's press center, it is emphasized that "Bulgaria needs a strong public radio. And a strong public radio needs strong professional musical ensembles. They are not an expense to be incurred. They are part of Bulgaria's cultural infrastructure and memory."
The problem has remained unresolved for more than a year, during which musicians from the Mixed Choir, the Folk Music Orchestra, the Big Band, and the BNR Symphony Orchestra have been demanding a solution. The ensembles note that despite proposed ideas, discussions, and opportunities provided to the institutions to find a working model, the situation has still not been resolved.
"We Continue the Change" expresses its full support for the protest by BNR musicians, insisting on decent pay and sustainable funding. According to the party, one-off increases or internal cost-cutting measures are not the solution; rather, a sustainable model is required to guarantee the future of the musical ensembles and the normal functioning of BNR as a public media outlet. "The state must not wait for the orchestras to fall silent!" – the PP party stated.
In March, BNR's musical ensembles ceased their concert activities as a form of protest against low wages, media outlets recall.