The minority government with Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov survived several no-confidence votes since the beginning of its mandate in January, only to be overthrown by street protests of tens of thousands on Thursday, writes the Associated Press about the political situation in our country.
The agency notes that President Rumen Radev will begin consultations with parliamentary groups next week on the possibilities of a new cabinet after the fall of the government due to anti-corruption protests in the country. The head of state is inviting the largest group in parliament to talks on forming a government. If they are unsuccessful, the second largest group will get its chance. If all attempts fail, which is likely, he will appoint a caretaker cabinet until new elections are held in two months, the AP said.
Analysts expect that the next parliamentary elections - the eighth since 2021 - are likely to lead to a highly fragmented parliament and greater political instability as Bulgaria prepares to join the Eurozone on January 1, 2026. Inflation fears, allegedly fueled by a disinformation campaign from Moscow, have dampened enthusiasm for the euro, the agency reported, recalling that Bulgaria joined the European Union (EU) in 2007.
The AP added that in a last-ditch attempt to block the country's path to the Eurozone, the pro-Russian "Vazrazhdane" party has submitted a draft resolution to parliament to postpone accession by 1 year, citing the lack of a new budget and political instability. The chances of the proposal being accepted are slim, but such proposals reflect the tension that is expected to grow until the next elections, which could change Bulgaria's pro-Western course, the Associated Press commented.
The agency also notes that analysts expect the head of state to form a new party before the next parliamentary elections and adds that the left-leaning Radev criticizes the pro-Western government's support for Ukraine.