The leadership meeting between GERB-SDS and „We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria“ in the National Assembly has begun. Boyko Borisov, Desislava Atanasova, Tomislav Donchev, Daniel Mitov and Rumen Hristov sat at the table for talks on behalf of GERB. The representatives of „We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria“ at the meeting are Kiril Petkov, Asen Vasilev, Nikolay Denkov, Hristo Ivanov, Atanas Atanasov and Vladislav Panev. The meeting was initiated by GERB. Its purpose is to discuss the possibilities of forming a government with the first mandate.
“From the results of the elections, these are the parties that performed best in the last two votes. We believe that in the current situation we should find a way to form a government either in the first or in the second mandate. Going to new elections will give the same or a similar result”, believes Boyko Borisov.
“We are always ready to talk about policies, but we will not support a government with the first mandate”, stated the co-chairman of „We Continue the Change“ Kiril Petkov. He emphasized that the priorities for the „We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria“ coalition are achieving a 3% budget deficit, maintaining the amount of taxes, and avoiding cuts in the social program. Petkov pointed out:
“There are other sectoral policies that we are open to talk about – energy, justice reform.”
“To see what you propose and to think if we go to such an option. I think you understand me. Mr. Petkov and I have forgiven each other and nothing in our relationship makes it difficult to do work. The fact that we are here is indicative”, Borisov called on the „We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria“to present a composition of the cabinet. For his part, Petkov specified:
“We realize that you are the first political force at this time and we are within your mandate. We respect your first right to make your choice. You have the choice to talk to the other political forces as well.”
Today’s meeting was reached after a series of talks between working groups on the legislative program, a compromise on the election of the Speaker of the National Assembly and consultations with the President. Despite the understanding on key priorities, the two formations cannot reach an agreement to form a government.
