Assen Vassilev

European Commissioner for Economy Paolo Gentiloni visited Bulgaria, emphasizing the European Commission's unwavering support for Bulgaria's Schengen accession and its aspirations to meet the criteria for joining the eurozone.

European Commissioner for Economy, Paolo Gentiloni, embarks on a crucial two-day visit to Bulgaria starting Thursday. The visit aims to foster discussions on the economic outlook for the EU and Bulgaria, preceding the upcoming year of 2024, as confirmed by the European Commission.

Finance Minister Assen Vassilev rebuked President Rumen Radev for referencing "fake news" in his recent remarks about the 2024 draft budget, warning that a budget veto might lead Bulgaria into the new year without a financial plan.

Finance Minister Assen Vassilev's vote was denied in Haskovo because of the lack of residency in the country. Vassilev arrived at noon on Saturday at the 28th polling station in Haskovo to exercise his right to vote.

The new Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov (R) and the new Minister of Foreign Affairs Mariya Gabriel (L) after taking the oath at the Parliament in Sofia, Bulgaria, 06 June 2023. EPA-EFE/VASSIL DONEV

The new government came to power with 132 votes in favour and 69 against.

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev (R) receives a folder with the names of ministers from prime ministerial candidate Nikolay Denkov in Sofia on June 5. EPA-EFE/VASSIL DONEV

The move is likely to bring an end to two years of political turmoil which has seen five parliamentary elections held in Bulgaria.

On Tuesday evening, pro-EU protesters will rally near the presidency and the Ministerial Council in Sofia, accusing President Rumen Radev of undermining the parliamentary system and hampering efforts to form a government after a two years of repeated elections.

Kiril Petkov speaks to media as he arrives for an EU-Western Balkans leaders' meeting in Brussels, 23 June 2022.  Photo: EPA-EFE/STEPHANIE LECOCQ

A week ago, the reformist party and ex-PM Boyko Borissov's GERB hatched an unexpected deal to form an 18-month cabinet, first headed by the WCC's Nickolay Denkov for nine months and then by GERB's Mariya Gabriel.

Bulgaria's former Prime Minister and leader of the 'We Continue the Change' party Kiril Petkov speaks at a rally in Sofia, 30 March 2023. Photo: EPA-EFE/VASSIL DONEV

Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov arrives for the European Council Summit in Brussels, Belgium, 24 March 2022. Photo: EPA-EFE/JULIEN WARNAND

"We can't find 121 MPs who are not afraid", Petkov told the media, referring to the number needed for a majority in parliament, and the influence that criminal structures allegedly have on parliament.