New Bulgarian Alliance Assumes Power, Promising Reforms

The leader of 'We continue the change', Kiril Petkov greets fans before the first session of the parliament in Sofia, December 3, 2021. Photo: EPA-EFE/VASSIL DONEV

The vote put an end to an almost year-long political logjam in Bulgaria, which now sees its biggest political shift in more than a decade.

The country held three general and two presidential elections in 2021, which saw longtime ruling GERB party and its leader Boyko Borissov lose their grip amid protests and increasing corruption claims, President Rumen Radev increasing his profile and new opposition parties becoming dominant in parliament, isolating GERB and its allies, the United Democratic Forces and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms.

"Believe me: there will be a zero tolerance for corruption and for every lev that goes in the wrong place," new Prime Minister Kiril Petkov told parliament. 

He emphasised increasing the vaccination process against COVID-19 in order to curb Bulgaria's high death rate from the virus. This drew mixed reactions in the chamber, which houses members from the far-Right pandemic denialist "Revival" party. Petkov finished his speech with a promise that, "In four years, Bulgaria will be a very different place."

The vote was preceded by a 120-page agreement, signed by the parties on Friday. The coalition was due to be announced early last week but discussions continued after the Socialist Party insisted on revisions. 

Petkov's cabinet contains several new figures but also retains some of the interim ministers from President Rumen Radevs appointed caretaker government. 

Who's who in the new cabinet

Apart from Petkov becoming Prime Minister after serving as an interim Minister of Economy in 2021, and Assen Vasilev...