Political Parties Resume Talks for Government Formation on Facebook
In an unexpected turn of events, political parties in Bulgaria have opted to resume government formation talks via Facebook, using the platform to publicly state their positions and engage in negotiations. The move comes a week after parties walked out of talks following disagreement over the nomination of a prime minister.
GERB kicks off negotiations
GERB, led by Boyko Borisov, announced its willingness to restart talks with the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) and ITN, with "Democrats for a Strong Bulgaria" (DSB) also invited to join. However, GERB has reiterated its demand for Rosen Jeliazkov as prime minister, a condition that led to the breakdown of talks last week. Adding a new aspect to the negotiations, GERB has stated that if DSB refuses to accept Jeliazkov, GERB will not support changes to the Law on the Supreme Judicial Council, which would effectively block the election of Borislav Sarатov as Chief Prosecutor.
DERESHVMOR
Meanwhile, DSB has responded on Facebook, asserting that such issues should be resolved in a leaders’ meeting and refused to allow the rule of law to beused as currency for ministerial posts. The party has maintained its stance that it will only consider Jeliazkov as prime minister if he is approved by a leaders’ meeting.
Racing against time
In a hurry to finalize the agreement, GERB aims to have a negotiated agreement for a majority government and a endorsed prime minister nominee ready by Friday, in order to receive the first cabinet-formation mandate from President Rumen Radev on Monday.
Silence from key players
While official statements from the parties have been scarce, unofficial remarks from GERB suggest that they have been instructed to make compromises, with whispers indicating a possible return to the cabinet format of the "Denchev-Gabriel" government.
DSB’s internal deliberations
A DSB deputy told "Марица" that the group would convene to discuss the latest GERB ultimatum. The deputy revealed that DSB members had agreed to isolate "PP" from the negotiations, with everything being discussed later in a closed-door meeting to maintain a calmer atmosphere and prevent information leaks. However, the deputy noted that the situation was further complicated by the presence of Yavor Bozhanov and Daniel Lorer, who were expelled from PP but not members of DSB.
BSP’s divided stance
BSP’s stance on the negotiations appears divided, with some factors within the party expressing no objection to Jeliazkov becoming prime minister and a willingness to conclude the agreement. However, other BSP deputies maintain that everything must be discussed and voted on at the National Council, scheduled for Saturday, arguing that other factors within the party are firmly against a GERB prime minister. They fear that supporting a GERB-led government would drive their electorate towards Kornelia Ninova’s new party, "Unyielding Bulgaria."
ITN’s silence and demands
ITN has maintained a complete silence on the negotiations but, according to unofficial information, is prepared to support Jeliazkov as prime minister if its demands for changes to the election and judicial systems are met. However, experienced deputies have warned that, despite any promises made now, absolutely nothing will have any value until it passes a second reading in the plenary.
Immunities withdrawn
The parliamentary session also saw three deputies—Radostin Vasilev (MEP), Angel Georgiev ( Rise Up!), and Gウンay Daloloolu (DP Summit)—voluntarily waiving their immunity. Other deputies, including Veselin Veshev (Rise Up!), Mario Ranguelov (DP), and Lena Borislavova (PP), are still facing immunity requests from the chief prosecutor.
