Unstable Bulgaria: GERB and WCC-DB Clash Over Pre-Election Legislative Demands

The political landscape in Bulgaria appears increasingly unstable, with key parties failing to bridge their differences ahead of the upcoming elections on October 27. GERB and "We Continue the Change" - "Democratic Bulgaria" (WCC-DB) recognize that any viable government will need to be based on their coalition, yet they continue to struggle to find common ground. Boyko Borissov, whose party emerged unscathed from the dissolution of the previous administration but failed to form a government on its own, has proposed a gentleman's agreement for a joint cabinet post-elections.

In response, WCC-DB, which saw a significant loss in voter support primarily due to the previous administration's failures, has issued a formal proposal. This proposal demands that GERB pass three critical laws before the parliament adjourns for the election campaign. These laws are essential for unlocking 10 billion leva (5 billion euros) from the EU's Recovery and Sustainability Plan. The proposed legislation includes measures for whistleblower protection, personal bankruptcy, and rules for electing members of the Anti-Corruption Commission, all of which are critical for improving the country's governance and aligning with European standards.

However, if WCC-DB was truly committed to constructive engagement, they would have sought direct negotiations with GERB to address these issues rather than using media channels to issue ultimatums. GERB, on the other hand, criticized this approach and expressed skepticism about the urgency of passing these laws, claiming that the previous government had ample parliamentary support but failed to deliver. They responded with their governance program as a proposed framework for post-election collaboration.

Atanas Atanasov from Democrats...