GERB-UDF Coalition Unveils New Cabinet Amid Challenging Political Landscape

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has tasked the GERB-UDF coalition with forming a new government. Prime Minister-designate Rosen Zhelyazkov presented his proposed Cabinet to parliament for approval, emphasizing public financial stability and Bulgaria's European continuity. GERB-UDF needs to secure a simple majority in parliament amid fragmented legislative support.

In a significant political development, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has assigned the responsibility of forming the new government to the centre-right GERB-UDF coalition, the largest group in parliament. Prime Minister-designate Rosen Zhelyazkov, a seasoned lawyer and politician, has put forth his Cabinet proposal to parliament for approval.

The 56-year-old Zhelyazkov stressed the importance of stabilizing public finances and ensuring continuity in Bulgaria's European trajectory. However, the GERB-UDF coalition, which emerged victorious in the June elections, faces a challenging path ahead with only 68 legislators in the 240-seat National Assembly.

Former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, who has led three governments, stepped aside to make room for Zhelyazkov, amid anti-corruption protests and a fragmented legislature. With the ethnic Turkish Movement for Rights and Freedoms as a potential ally, the coalition still lacks sufficient backing. The reformist We Continue the Change party has already declared its opposition to the GERB-led Cabinet. Parliament's vote on the proposed government is expected later this week, and failure to secure a majority could lead to a new exploratory mandate.