Bulgaria’s National Assembly has approved a new coalition government, ending a prolonged political crisis. Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov’s cabinet was supported by 125 of 239 deputies in a vote this morning, with 114 opposing. The ministers were sworn in shortly after the vote.
The coalition, formed through an agreement between the center-right GERB party, the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP – United Left), and ‘There is Such a People’ (ITN), includes 19 ministers. GERB holds 11 ministerial positions, while BSP-United Left and ITN each hold four. The Alliance for Rights and Freedoms (APS), which supports the government, is not represented in the cabinet.
Prime Minister Zhelyazkov outlined his priorities, emphasizing education, healthcare, the rule of law, sustainable financing, a balanced budget, and Bulgaria’s integration into the Eurozone. He stressed the need for a government to address social challenges and support citizens and businesses during times of crisis.