Bulgaria’s Troubled Coalition Faces No-confidence Vote

The leader of 'We continue the change', PM Kiril Petkov, at the first session of the new parliament in Sofia, 3 December 2021. Photo: EPA-EFE/VASSIL DONEV

The motion was filed by the former ruling GERB party and United Democratic Forces and did appear to surprise PM Petkov, who on Tuesday night commented: "I can't be bothered with nonsense, we have so much work to do" when asked about the possibility of a such a move.

The move also marks a change of attitude by ex-PM-Boyko Borissov's GERB, which was in power between 2009 and 2021.

The party stayed silent during various government controversies since June 8, when "There's Such a Nation", one of the parties in the four-way coalition, left the cabinet, alleging state fund mismanagement, and lack of respect by the PM and overly soft politics towards North Macedonia.

This unlocked numerous crossfires, including counter-allegations between "We Continue the Change" and "There's Such a Nation" over criminal ties. 

In parliament on Wednesday, Bulgaria's economics were actually little discussed. and the opposition instead focused on Petkov's alleged plans to lift the Bulgarian veto on North Macedonia's EU ascension talks in coordination with the EU, which the opposition deems national treachery.

The opposition comprises GERB, the mainly ethnic Turkish Movement for Rights and Freedoms, both associated with allegations of corruption and alleged ties to the oligarchy, former coalition party "There's Such Nation", currently deserted by several of its disappointed members, United Democratic Forces, now allied to GERB, and the pro-Kremlin far-right Revival.

This party gained popularity in 2021 for its anti-vaccination rhetoric and in 2022 openly stated it would like to see Bulgaria quit...