Bulgarian lawmakers voted in a new prime minister and cabinet Thursday after more than two months of negotiations.
Rosen Zhelyazkov from the center-right GERB party was selected as Bulgaria’s prime minister. The powerful GERB party won 69 seats in the 240-seat legislature at Bulgaria’s election in October, the country’s seventh in four years due to its yearslong political deadlock.
Zhelyazkov was supported by a broad coalition of leftist, populist and centrist parties, whom he thanked in a parliamentary address.
“I will start a little unconventionally at the beginning by expressing gratitude to the coalition partners with whom we managed to reach an agreement in a difficult period, putting aside our political and ideological differences, and to reach the signing of a coalition agreement,” Zhelyazkov said, according to Bulgaria’s state broadcaster.
Zhelyazkov added his government’s priorities would include protecting rule of law and ensuring Bulgaria joins the eurozone. It fully joined the EU’s borderless Schengen Area on Jan. 1 but is not a member of the EU’s currency union.
Bulgaria has been plagued by political instability since 2020, when nationwide protests erupted over oligarchic mafia leaders taking control of state institutions. Protests also took place after the most recent election due to allegations of vote-buying.
“My congratulations to Rosen Zhelyazkov on your election as Prime Minister of Bulgaria,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on social media. “I look forward to working with you for a thriving Bulgaria in a strong and united Europe. I also appreciate your support to our brave neighbour Ukraine.”
European Council President António Costa said, “Wishing you success and looking forward to working together on a strong pro-European agenda for the benefit of all Bulgarians.”
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