‘Democratic Bulgaria‘ & GERB Align on Ukraine Pact, Despite earlier Rift; Main Revolutionary Power Digs In
‘Bulgaria Can Sign Ukraine Deal Immediately, No Parliamentary Sanction Needed’, insists ‘Democratic Bulgaria’. The centrist GERB party, despite its leader Boyko Borisov’s earlier refusal to back the security cooperation pact between Bulgaria and Ukraine, voiced shared support for a immediate signing by the caretaker government.
In a joint statement, ‘Democratic Bulgaria’ and GERB agreed, "The two sides concur that the Ukraine agreement can be signed immediately by the caretaker cabinet, which holds the mandate for this purpose, without parliamentary endorsement. Should the caretaker cabinet falter, a future regular cabinet will sign it."
Yet, the stance of the opposition Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) and its allies, ‘Bulgarianaphiles’, remains firm. They called for Parliament to grant a mandate to acting Foreign Minister Kalin Mitrev to ink the pact urgently. However, Speaker Natalia Keranova refused to entertain this motion, leaving the parliamentary pathway uncertain.
Bulgaria’s 10-year commitment under the pact involves political, economic, and social assistance to Ukrainian refugees, military training, and continued military aid.
Meanwhile, talks for government formation between GERB-SDS and ‘Democratic Bulgaria’ proceeded today, with policies in education, social policy, healthcare, culture, regional development, defense, and foreign affairs on the agenda. GERB-SDS also held talks with ‘There Is Such a People’.
In a relatable Facebook post, ‘Democratic Bulgaria’ asserted, "The interim cabinet has a valid mandate to sign the Ukraine agreement. If they fail, a future government will do so."
