Tensions Rise as Bulgarian Parliament Struggles to Elect Speaker for Fifth Time

Bulgarian MPs are set to attempt electing a speaker of parliament for the fifth time today, following repeated delays in the process since the constitution of the 51st National Assembly. The election of a leader for the parliament has been at a standstill, but Silvi Kirilov from the "There Is Such a People" (TISP) party has emerged as a potential consensus candidate, with support from several parliamentary groups.

During the initial session, Temenuzhka Petkova from the GERB party once again nominated Raya Nazaryan for the position, arguing that it was only fair for the Speaker to come from the leading political force. Meanwhile, Borislav Gutsanov of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) reaffirmed the candidacy of Assoc. Prof. Natalia Kiselova, and the "Revival" party reiterated their support for lawyer Petar Petrov. Kirilov was nominated by TISP MP Toshko Yordanov, who emphasized that electing him would open the door for talks on forming a regular government.

Tensions quickly escalated during the discussions, with Nadezhda Yordanova from WCC-DB criticizing GERB for their role in forming a government and a parliamentary majority. She expressed support for a majority that could "free Bulgaria from the leprosy of corruption," while Pavela Mitova from TISP questioned her reliance on GERB to form such a majority. Criticism continued from other factions, including the "Revival" party, who echoed similar concerns about GERB's political strategy.

In the middle of the debate, GERB Chairman Boyko Borissov was seen drawing abstract figures on a white sheet of paper. Meanwhile, Stanislav Balabanov from TISP urged WCC-DB to support Kirilov's candidacy to avoid further deadlock, while stressing that the issue of appointing a new prime minister would...