Bulgaria's Political Chess: Zhelyazkov's Coalition Gambit
Bulgaria's GERB party, led by Prime Minister-designate Rosen Zhelyazkov, seeks to form a coalition government after a fragmented election result. Zhelyazkov aims to leverage EU resources and address inflation while navigating alliances with the Socialist Party and There Is Such a People, securing support from the ethnic Turkish party.
- Country:
- Bulgaria
In a significant political development, Bulgaria's president has entrusted the main centre-right GERB party with the responsibility of forming a new government. This move comes nearly three months after the elections resulted in a sharply divided parliament.
The GERB party secured 69 seats in the 240-member assembly from the October 27 vote, making it the largest party, albeit lacking an outright majority. Rosen Zhelyazkov, a veteran politician and former parliament speaker, has been nominated as the Prime Minister-designate and has presented a list of proposed Cabinet members for a minority coalition government. The list awaits parliamentary approval upon President Rumen Radev's submission.
Zhelyazkov, a seasoned lawyer aged 56, intends to focus on the efficient utilization of European Union resources to enhance governance and institutional functioning. Acknowledging the ideological disparities with its coalition partners - the pro-Russia Socialist Party and the populist There Is Such a People - Zhelyazkov asserts that necessary compromises have been reached. The coalition, with support from the ethnic Turkish party Democracy, Rights and Freedoms, could potentially command a parliamentary majority.
(With inputs from agencies.)
ALSO READ
Asset Management Coalition Suspends Activities Amid Political Backlash
Ireland on Brink of New Coalition Government
NZAM Coalition Hits Pause Amid U.S. Political Backlash
BJP Leader Condemns INDIA Alliance as Fragmented Coalition Lacking Leadership
Ireland's Centre-Right Parties Near Coalition Agreement