Boyko Borisov

In a tense political climate, the proposed cabinet formation by acting Prime Minister candidate Dimitar Glavchev has ignited controversy and accusations from various political quarters. The unveiling of the draft structure and composition of the Council of Ministers took place amidst consultations attended by the head of state, Rumen Radev, and representatives from parliamentary factions.

GERB leader Boyko Borisov declared to journalists in Plovdiv that by Monday, either the mandate will be fulfilled or it will be clear that elections are imminent, as reported by BTA. Borisov indicated that if Maria Gabriel succeeds in assembling a cabinet she can effectively lead, their party will offer her 69 votes.

Bulgaria has emerged as a key contributor to Ukraine's defense efforts, providing substantial military aid amidst escalating tensions in the region. Outgoing Minister of Defense Todor Tagarev recently disclosed that over 7,000 tons of material resources, including millions of ammunition and over 140 machines, have been extended to Ukraine in support of its security needs.

Political statements originating from Skopje regarding the potential integration of Macedonians into the Bulgarian constitution have ignited a diplomatic dispute between Bulgaria and North Macedonia.

It is highly likely that Varna will have a new mayor, and that person is likely to be Blagomir Kotsеv (pictured). Data from polling agencies currently give Kotsеv, supported by PP-DB, a slight lead over Ivan Portnih. However, the outcome remains uncertain as Blagomir Kotsеv is ahead by only around 4%. This marks a turnaround from the first round when Portnih from GERB had about a 5% lead.

Boyko Borisov chose to cast his vote with a paper ballot in Bankya today.

"Is there a functioning machine, or are there none left?" Borisov jokingly asked the members of the Electoral Commission upon entering. He then emphasized that, given the recent events in Sofia and Varna, he preferred to vote with a paper ballot.

"There is a common understanding regarding the budget. All the proposals of Finance Minister Asen Vassilev on revenue measures will be accepted and Bulgaria will have a budget that will serve the Bulgarian citizens".

"The pro-European forces in Bulgaria must put the state above the party and work together to form a stable majority."

This was written by Manfred Weber - chairman of the group of the European People's Party (EPP), the parent party of GERB. Weber was a guest at the closing of the pre-election campaign of Boyko Borisov's formation.

If the word "interregnum" had to be explained with present-day examples in a European textbook, Bulgaria could well be used to describe what is essentially a (potentially dark) period between two regimes.

Former chairman of the State Agency for National Security (SANS) Dimitar Georgiev has been detained for poaching, BNR reports.

Police arrested him near the Blagoevgrad village of Sushitsa after a report of illegal hunting in the area.