LIVE: Bulgarian Parliament Votes on GERB's Proposed Cabinet (UPDATED)

The National Assembly is currently discussing and voting on the proposed cabinet by GERB, led by Prime Minister candidate Rosen Zhelyazkov. According to the Constitution, laws and other acts must be adopted with a majority of more than half of the present representatives. With 240 deputies registered, 121 "yes" votes are required to elect the prime minister proposed by GERB. Following this, the structure and composition of the cabinet will be voted on.

Update: GERB failed - The Bulgarian Parliament rejected Rosen Zhelyazkov as prime minister

What happened today:

Zhelyazkov outlined the proposed government's primary task as restoring effective governance to address three main deficits: trust and legitimacy, goal setting and achievement, and law enforcement. He emphasized the frequent elections in Bulgaria over the past three years, with society growing apathetic and distrustful, resulting in a lack of voter interest and participation limited to dedicated party supporters.

Zhelyazkov acknowledged the challenges of unification and proposed forming a government with a clear political mandate. He presented a structure and composition without a guaranteed majority, suggesting a minority government focused on making up for lost time. The goals include modernization, digitization, increasing labor productivity, reducing administrative and corruption burdens, and aligning education with the labor market.

In a session of the parliament, Nikolai Denkov of WCC-DB declared their intention to vote "against" the proposed cabinet, labeling it a "government of the past with no future."

Denkov criticized the inclusion of ministers from previous administrations, referencing past controversies and...