In the aftermath of Bulgaria's recent parliamentary election, former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, representing the center-right GERB party, has extended an invitation to his political adversaries to engage in discussions regarding the formation of a new government. Borissov clarified that he is not seeking to reclaim the position of prime minister but emphasized that his party's endorsement is crucial for the government's establishment. He proposed the creation of an expert Cabinet, with the condition that GERB retains control over the ministries of foreign affairs and defense.
Should these terms not be met and if other parties opt for a confrontational approach rather than dialogue, Borissov warned of the possibility of another election in September. The election results revealed GERB as the leading party with 24.7% of the vote, followed by the ethnic Turkish Movement for Rights and Freedoms at 17.1% and the pro-Western reformist bloc led by the We Continue the Change party at 14.3%. Additionally, four other parties secured seats in the 240-seat chamber.
Borissov, who previously served as prime minister for three terms, faced significant public discontent leading to the resignation of his third Cabinet earlier this year amidst widespread anti-corruption protests. The reformist We Continue the Change party coalition, established with the explicit goal of challenging Borissov's administration, declared its refusal to support a government involving GERB.
Following a brief coalition government that dissolved after nine months, the political landscape remains polarized, with both GERB and the reformist bloc exchanging accusations of corruption during the recent campaign. The leader of the reformist group, Kiril Petkov, rebuffed Borissov's proposal and affirmed their intent to serve as a steadfast opposition force.
