Petkov Awaits New Mandate – but New Bulgarian Elections Likely

Bulgarian outgoing Prime Minister Kiril Petkov attends the no-confidence vote against his government in parliament in Sofia, Bulgaria, 22 June 2022. Photo: EPA-EFE/VASSIL DONEV

If Petkov's "We Continue the Change" party cannot secure a majority in parliament, which is likely, the mandate will go to the main opposition GERB party, which, however, on June 27, said it will not attempt to form an administration.

If these two efforts fail, the mandate will go to a party of President Radev's choosing. During a turbulent 2021, when Bulgaria went through three general elections, Radev handed the optional mandate twice to the Bulgarian Socialist Party, BSP.

However, the President is now at odds with BSP leader Kornelia Ninova and, at the same time, has been in crossfire with Petkov over his alleged plans to soften government policy towards North Macedonia and increase aid to Ukraine.

If forming a coalition government fails again, Bulgaria will go to new elections in September. 

Petkov's cabinet, which focused on reforming the country and reconfirming a pro-West direction, was shaken after one of the four parties in the coalition, "There's Such a People" left abruptly and joined the opposition, headed by GERB.

A minority government consisting of "We Continue the Change", Democratic Bulgaria and the BSP was ousted on June 29, as protests in support of the government drew crowds in Sofia. 

Petkov's mission to form a new government has been complicated by his June 29 announcement that 70 Russian diplomats have been declared personae non grata for espionage, as this angered the pro-Kremlin BSP, which has since stopped all communication with "We Continue the Change". However, Ninova has left the door open to joining a new government...

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