GERB-UDF's Prime Minister Nomination Fails in Parliament
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Loading... - Liselotte Winkler
- 09 Jul 2024
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Bulgaria's Parliament has denied approval to Prime Minister-designate Rosen Zhelyazkov, effectively terminating the constitutional procedure for forming a cabinet on the first mandate. Zhelyazkov, designated by the largest parliamentary group GERB-UDF, announced his readiness with a government structure and lineup upon being mandated by President Rumen Radev on July 1.
Parliamentary Vote Breakdown:
- Against: 138
- In Favour: 98
- Abstentions: 2
All 68 GERB-UDF MPs supported Zhelyazkov. The 45 MPs from the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) were split: 30 in favour, 14 against, and one abstention. All MPs from Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB), Vazrazhdane, BSP for Bulgaria, There Is Such a People (TISP), Velichie, and 2 of the 3 independents voted against.
To be elected, the prime minister-designate needed more than half of the MPs attending the plenary sitting to vote in favour.
Proposed Government Structure and Priorities:
Before the vote, Zhelyazkov presented his proposed cabinet structure and priorities aimed at restoring effective governance. He highlighted the drastic drop in voter turnout from 83% in the 1990 parliamentary elections to 34% in the 2024 elections, attributing this to the public's apathy and distrust due to frequent elections and political instability.
Zhelyazkov proposed forming a government with a clear political mandate and priorities focused on protecting and developing national interests, reinforcing Bulgaria's EU and NATO membership, and addressing major tasks for the country's good. His proposed cabinet was to function as a minority cabinet, aiming to make up for lost time and focus on public economic development through modernization, digitalization, industrial and infrastructural development, and increased labor productivity.
Focus Areas:
- Modernization and Digitalization: To enhance public processes, reduce administrative and corruption burdens.
- Education and Labor Market: Policies to address unemployment, improve qualifications, and attract labor from the Bulgarian diaspora and third countries.
- Institutional Reform: Emphasis on justice, fairness, and broad public participation.
Zhelyazkov emphasized the importance of parties electing politically prepared and professionally competent individuals to restore public trust. He pledged that his proposed cabinet members would work with integrity to ensure Bulgaria regains its self-confidence and respect.
Nomination Presentation:
GERB-UDF MP Temenuzhka Petkova presented Zhelyazkov's nomination, highlighting his high moral and professional qualities and willingness to engage in dialogue. She asserted that Zhelyazkov would be a worthy prime minister for Bulgaria if elected.
