Rumyana Bachvarova

Boyko Borissov, the leader of GERB, declared that his party would not support the formation of a government for a second mandate. This pronouncement effectively closes the door on any potential negotiations with "We Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria" (WCC-DB) coalition, signaling an end to their attempts to form a new government together.

"I have been working for many years on the inter-state relations between Bulgaria and Israel, the preparation of the joint meetings with the Israeli government, which have been three, so Israel is a country that has a positive attitude towards Bulgaria, so we have to further develop our relations."

The government is considering how to alleviate traffic along Danube Bridge near Vidin since kilometre-long queues keep on forming constantly.

On Saturday, there was a 12-km queue and a ban on vehicles weighing over 12 tonnes had to be introduced along the road Botevgrad - Vidin due to difficulties in the operation of the border cross checkpoint.

In relation to the information about upcoming protests of Greek farmers that would block the border with Greece, the Interior Ministry has remained in constant touch with Greek authorities, announced the press centre of the Interior Ministry.

Outgoing Interior Minister Rumyana Bachvarova has sent an official letter to her Greek counterpart.

Outgoing Bulgarian Interior Minister Rumyana Bachvarova said on Sunday she had "no information" when asked to comment on news that Turkish police had gracked down on a massive people smuggling ring.

Bulgaria's outgoing Interior Minister Rumyana Bachvarova has said as many as 3000 police officers will be appointed by the end of the year as part of government plans to crack down on petty crime.

Former police and military officers' ranks will be used to recruit the staff, she has told the Bulgarian National Television.

The number of migrants who crossed into Bulgaria fell by more than 40% last year compared to 2015, outgoing Interior Minister Rumyana Bachvarova has said.

For December alone, there is a decrease by 60%, Focus News Agency quotes her as adding before a cabinet meeting.

Bulgaria will put in place strict border controls unprecedented for the EU within a few days, outgoing Interior Minister Rumyana Bachvarova has said.

Movement into and out of the country will be monitored meticulously due to an agreement with the United States sealed earlier this year, she has told private NOVA TV broadcaster.

Members of terrorist organisations are passing through Bulgarian territory in an attempt to reach Western Europe, stated outgoing Interior Minister Rumyana Bachvarova, reported BGNES.

At present, there are no reports of threats of terrorist attacks on the territory of the country and against Bulgarian interests abroad, added Bachvarova.

The two "most dangerous" gas tanks among the dozen that derailed in the village of Hitrino earlier in December are yet to be defueled and and erected, Bulgaria's outgoing Interior Minister Rumyana Bachvarova has said.

Of four remaining tanks at the site of the blast, two have been prepared for removal, Focus News Agency quotes her as saying.