The Bulgarian parliament has approved a coalition government with the participation of a pro-Russian party, ending the political deadlock in the Balkan country, which has not had a stable government since 2020, the newspaper reported today. “Financial Times“.
The center-right Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, who won with a narrow majority of 125 votes in the 240-seat parliament, promised to maintain the country's pro-Western path, restore financial stability and return the focus to adopting the euro, the publication notes.
“The Euro-Atlantic agenda is among the main priorities“, a spokesman for Zhelyazkov told the “Financial Times“. “We want to restore stability to Bulgaria. Our next priority is to join the eurozone and strengthen fiscal stability,” the spokesman added.
Bulgaria is struggling to complete reforms in the areas of anti-corruption, public procurement and energy, which has led to the suspension of billions of euros in EU funds for post-pandemic recovery, the publication recalls.
According to the “Financial Times“, the delay in European funds, which are due to be absorbed next year, is seen as a result of Sofia's long-standing inability to maintain a governing majority, which is also hindering its long-standing efforts to adopt the euro.
Zhelyazkov will lead a minority government of GERB with the pro-Russian BSP and a populist group called “There is such a people”. He secured a majority with the support of an ethnic Turkish party, the publication notes, recalling that for years the BSP blocked military and other aid to Ukraine.
In its 2023 election program, the BSP wanted to keep channels open with Russia and, echoing the Kremlin's rhetoric, added that it "opposes the policy of sanctions and counter-sanctions that citizens suffer from," the Financial Times notes.
The publication also quotes GERB leader Boyko Borisov as saying that the coalition parties must overcome deep divisions and differences. It also quotes the forecast of political expert Daniel Smilov, who suggested that the coalition could stay in power for a year or two and even adopt the euro.