Bulgaria’s parliament has officially approved a new government, signaling an end to a 30-month-long political impasse that has hindered progress in the country. The coalition is a historic partnership between the two main political rivals: the GERB party, led by former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, and the pro-European liberal coalition “We Continue the Change Democratic Bulgaria,” which finished second in the April general election. This coalition represents a significant shift in Bulgarian politics, marking the first instance of a government in which the prime minister’s position will rotate midway through the term.
On Tuesday, lawmakers voted 132-69 to elect Nikolay Denkov, a 60-year-old chemistry professor and former education minister, as the new prime minister. Denkov is a founding member of the reformist “We Continue the Change” party. In a separate vote, the parliament also approved the Cabinet, which will include GERB’s Maria Gabriel, a former European Commissioner, as deputy prime minister and foreign minister. Under the coalition agreement, Denkov will lead the government for the first nine months, after which he will hand over the premiership to Gabriel for the remainder of the term.
A fragile coalition
Despite their historical rivalry, the two parties have managed to find common ground on several key issues that they believe are essential for stabilizing Bulgaria’s political landscape. Their government program focuses on achieving a constitutional majority of two-thirds of parliamentary seats to facilitate a comprehensive overhaul of the judiciary and implement long-awaited anti-corruption measures in a country long plagued by graft and mismanagement.
Bulgaria, with a population of 6.5 million, has consistently ranked as one of the most corrupt nations in the European Union, and it suffers from the worst income inequality within the 27-member bloc. Addressing these systemic issues will be a major priority for the newly formed government, which has pledged to work collaboratively despite their differing ideologies.
Key priorities and goals
The government’s immediate goals include the urgent passage of the delayed 2023 budget, which is crucial for restoring economic stability. Additionally, the coalition aims to expedite Bulgaria’s entry into the EU’s Schengen Area and the eurozone, as well as secure the release of billions of euros in EU recovery funds by enacting necessary legislation.
The new administration has also committed to maintaining a pro-Western foreign policy stance, emphasizing its allegiance to NATO and the European Union. This includes a robust approach to counter Russian influence in Bulgaria’s security sector and a commitment to supporting Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
More Read
Public reaction and challenges ahead
The formation of this coalition has drawn mixed reactions from the Bulgarian public, which has been weary of political instability and corruption scandals. Many citizens are hopeful that the government can bring about much-needed reforms and economic recovery, but skepticism remains due to the historic animosity between the two parties.
Both Denkov and Gabriel will have to navigate a complex political landscape as they work to implement their agenda. The coalition must also manage public expectations and demonstrate that they can collaborate effectively despite their differences. As they tackle issues such as judicial reform and anti-corruption measures, the success of this alliance will largely depend on their ability to present a united front.
Bulgaria’s new government represents a pivotal moment in the nation’s political history, as former rivals unite in a bid to restore stability and spur economic growth. With key priorities set forth, the coalition must now take decisive action to address the pressing issues facing the country. While the road ahead may be fraught with challenges, the newly formed government’s success will be vital for Bulgaria’s future within the European Union and its standing on the global stage. The hope is that this unprecedented alliance will pave the way for a more transparent, accountable, and prosperous Bulgaria.
