"The choice of an acting prime minister is quite limited. Each of the potential candidates is part of a certain party network".
This was explained to the Bulgarian National Radio by Dimitar Ganev, a political scientist and university lecturer.
"Public expectations are for the organization of a free and fair electoral process. This is a challenge, considering all the deformations we have witnessed in recent years. Let me express skepticism that one or another name from the "house book" could resolve these accumulated issues within just two months until the early parliamentary elections.
I have no doubt that there is consultation, coordination between Radev and Yotova. Their political prospects in the short and medium term, mostly related to the presidential elections in October, are strongly linked. President Yotova will probably seek the support of Radev's party".
However, Ganev does not believe that Yotova is purposefully delaying the appointment of an acting prime minister in order to buy time for Rumen Radev.
"I do not see very many serious opportunities to accelerate this procedure".
The political scientist doubts that her candidacy in the upcoming presidential elections can be nominated by the BSP.
"This is the most difficult moment for the BSP in the last 35 years. The party's parliamentary representation is in doubt. It suffers damage on two fronts. First - because of its participation in this government and the opinion of its supporters. Secondly - a competitor has appeared on their field, which poses a very serious threat even to the hard core. For the survival of the party, a radical change must be sought. Mr. Zarkov most clearly symbolizes the radical rupture and distance from the current leadership".
Ganev also commented on what is happening in the PP-DB when the lists are being drawn up.
"It is normal for a complex coalition of three parties to have tension when they are lined up. But there are other lines of tension that overlap. First of all - the difficult-to-determine attitude towards President Radev and his party. We also see a process of clear consolidation around the figure of Assen Vassilev at the last PP National Conference. People who were close to Kiril Petkov are stepping back. I do not believe that PP and DB will run separately in these elections. This would mean a very difficult scenario for them".
However, the political scientist does not rule out the possibility of a split after the vote in the event of a possible cooperation with President Radev's party.
We can expect each political player to fight for their own identity and delineate the boundaries of their electorate, distinguishing themselves from the new big guy on the scene in the person of Rumen Radev, explained Dimitar Ganev in the program "12+3".
"We should not be surprised by offensive comments from people like Mr. Kostadinov, the leader of "Vazrazhdane". We also encounter critical comments in terms of ambiguous positions on foreign policy topics from the leaders of PP-DB, who attack Radev. Each of them is trying to prove their identity in order to be recognized as a legitimate representative of their community.
The contradictory behavior of Delyan Peevski and Boyko Borisov regarding Rumen Radev's initiative is impressive. As experienced players, they realize what Radev could gain the most from. His largest electoral reserve is in the protest penalty vote. He could gain the most if the ruling status quo makes highly critical comments towards him. This will legitimize him as their political alternative. I do not think this is some form of agreement.
The political scientist also pointed out that in his first interview, given on the program "Panorama" on BNT, after resigning as head of state, Rumen Radev has been trying all along to "not to close electoral doors".
"He invites all social groups to join him".
However, Ganev does not expect this behavior to remain unchanged until the end of the campaign.
"There will probably be a hardening of the tone towards the ruling status quo".