Borissov

The leader of GERB, Boyko Borisсov, stated that early elections "2 in 1" in Bulgaria are a logical conclusion of the so-called non-coalition between his party and their "partners" from We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (WCC-DB).

He commented on the memorandum proposed by WCC-DB for management after the rotation.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov has proposed a specific arrangement to GERB regarding the contentious issue of Lukoil's derogation. Denkov suggested, "On March 6, we have a rotation of the government. Until then, let's leave things as they are. The next day, if they want, they can remove the derogation for three days.

"These elections are a punishment for the entire political class - 27% turnout - this is absolute illegitimacy. So few voted and such a low turnout - the analysts and each of us must come to a conclusion as to why we are going down like this". This is what GERB leader Boyko Borisсov said in Plovdiv, quoted by BGNES.

With 103 votes "for", the National Assembly terminated the powers of the People's Representative from GERB Vezhdi Rashidov. Only "Vazrazhdane" voted three "against" and 27 "abstained".

The Speaker of the Parliament, Rosen Zhelyazkov, expressed his thanks and best wishes to Rashidov:

Bulgaria's Chief Public Prosecutor Ivan Geshev (C) before the meeting of the Supreme Judicial Council in Sofia, Bulgaria, 8 June 2023. Photo: EPA-EFE/VASSIL DONEV

On the sidelines of the parliament, President Rumen Radev accused the parties behind the "Denkov-Gabriel" cabinet of treason.

"I hope the government does not betray the national interests, as the leaders of the coalition betrayed their voters," said Radev, who a week ago insisted that the second management mandate should not be implemented.

"I am ready to return to Bulgaria as a protected witness", Vasil Bozhkov wrote on Facebook today.

"Borissov's impudence gave way to his fear. He has reason to be afraid," he also wrote.

Rumen Radev (right) and Mariya Gabriel, the GERB-SDS party's candidate for prime minister, at a ceremony to hand over the mandate to form a new government in Sofia on Monday. Photo: EPA-EFE/VASSIL DONEV

"Today we held a meeting with GERB for the first mandate. We think that GERB has a wrong concept of forming a government at this difficult time. Mr. Borissov nominated a party candidate, he came up with his own tasks and priorities". This was stated by the leader of the left, Kornelia Ninova.

Mariya Gabriel, GERB's European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth. Photo: European Parliament.

GERB expects to receive a mandate from President Rumen Radev to form a government. The party is yet to announce other offerings for ministerial positions.