Bulgarian political leader and former prime minister Boyko Borisov has stated that his GERB party’s contact group, led by Rossen Jeliazkov, Raya Nazaryan, Tomaslav Donchev, and Daniel Mitov, is engaging in talks to form a first-term government. Borisov remained brief when speaking to journalists at the party headquarters, noting that he would provide further details on the government formation possibility when appropriate. Borisov criticized Asen Vasilev for obstructing the government formation process and expressed willingness to work with other parties, including DB, to achieve this goal.
When asked if he would take the first mandate to form a government and be a candidate for prime minister, Borisov did not directly answer, but instead discussed the 2025 budget and the sharp reaction of the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) to the budget proposed by the acting finance minister, Ludmila Petkova. Borisov warned that if the budget deficit surpasses 18 billion BGN, it could reach 80 billion BGN in subsequent years. He also mentioned that the municipalities’ budget is currently being prepared, and there will be a clash between the finance minister and the municipalities regarding their financing.
Borisov described the current state of the country as a collapse, attributing it to the responsibility of various parties. He did not directly answer whether he would accept the first mandate, return it immediately, or run for prime minister. Asen Vasilev, the leader of the Bulgarian Socialists (BSP), stated that the initiative to form a government should come from the first political force and that his party would be steadfast in supporting a cabinet that meets certain conditions.
Title: Asen Vasilev Thwarts Boyko Borisov’s Bid to Form a Government
Introduction
In a significant political development in Bulgaria, Asen Vasilev, the leader of the ITN party, announced on December 13, 2021, that his party would not support a third cabinet led by Boyko Borisov. This decision has effectively thwarted Borisov’s bid to form a government, following two inconclusive elections in April and July 2021.
Boyko Borisov’s Political Career
Boyko Borisov, a former bodyguard, has dominated Bulgarian politics for over a decade. His centre-right GERB party has been in power since 2009, except for a brief period in 2020-2021. Borisov is known for his tough stance on corruption and his government’s pro-European Union policies.
The Political Landscape After the Elections
The April and July 2021 elections resulted in a hung parliament, with no single party winning a majority. Borisov’s GERB party won the most votes but fell short of a majority in both elections. In the subsequent months, multiple attempts to form a government failed, leading to the dissolution of the parliament and new elections called for March 2022.
Asen Vasilev’s Decision
Asen Vasilev, whose ITN party won 14 seats in the parliament, was a potential kingmaker in the post-election coalition talks. On Monday, December 13, Vasilev announced that his party would not support a third Borisov government. "After two early elections, we have concluded that Boyko Borisov cannot form a stable government," Vasilev stated.
Reasons Behind Vasilev’s Decision
Vasilev’s decision was influenced by several factors:
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Public Discontent: Despite his achievements, Borisov’s government has faced criticism for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising inflation. The protests that followed after the elections reflected the public’s discontent and sullenness.
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Corruption Allegations: Borisov has faced corruption allegations, which, although not proven, have tarnished his image and weakened his political standing.
- политических сил: The fragmented political landscape in Bulgaria, with numerous political forces and ideologies, made it difficult for Borisov to form a stable government.
Consequences of Vasilev’s Decision
Vasilev’s decision has significant implications for Bulgarian politics:
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No Third Borisov Government: With ITN’s refusal to support a third Borisov government, it is almost impossible for Borisov to form a government before the March 2022 elections.
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Early Elections: The decision may lead to early elections in March 2022, as finding an alternative majority in the parliament seems unlikely.
- Shift in Power Dynamics: Vasilev’s decision shifts the power dynamics in Bulgarian politics, giving other political forces, such as the socialists and the anti-establishment parties, a stronger hand in the negotiations.
Conclusion
Asen Vasilev’s decision to block Boyko Borisov’s third cabinet marks a significant turning point in Bulgarian politics. It reflects the public’s discontent with Borisov’s leadership, the ongoing corruption allegations, and the complexity of the political landscape. As Bulgaria braces for another election in March 2022, it will be interesting to see how these political shifts translate into a new government and policies.
