Bulgaria to Have Government by Week’s End as President Wraps Talks with the Parties

President Iliana Yotova wrapped her round of consultations with parliamentary forces, meeting representatives of “Progressive Bulgaria”, GERB, DPS, PP, DB, and Revival, as part of the constitutional procedure ahead of handing over the mandate to form a government. The talks took place at the presidency amid high expectations following the elections, with Yotova emphasizing that the next phase would be more demanding. “The elections are over and from here the more difficult part begins,” she said, stressing that urgent decisions, particularly on the budget, cannot be postponed. She pointed out that the country is operating under two extended budgets, describing the situation as highly unusual and difficult for governance.

During the meeting with PB, Anton Kutev stated that the formation is ready to move quickly, expressing confidence that a new cabinet will be in place within days. “It is certain that by the end of the week there will be a government,” he said, adding that preparations are already underway. According to him, the priorities are clearly defined, with a focus on tackling corruption, stabilizing institutions, and addressing inflation and rising prices. He assured that the government would act swiftly and decisively in the interest of citizens.

Economic policy and public finances were central to the discussion. Galab Donev acknowledged that the financial situation is serious, warning that the deficit has reached worrying levels. He suggested that one of the first steps could be setting a new debt ceiling to ensure regular payments for pensions, salaries, and social spending. “This would allow the state to guarantee its obligations through the end of the year,” he explained, while also calling for a restructuring of expenditures and renegotiation of elements of the recovery plan to secure delayed European funding.

The proposal triggered criticism from political opponents. Kornelia Ninova, former leader of the Bulgarian Socialist Party, accused the incoming majority of abandoning its campaign promises, arguing that increasing debt would repeat past governance practices. “This is not change, this is more of the same,” she said, warning that new borrowing would burden future generations while failing to address systemic inefficiencies.

Yotova also held meetings with other parliamentary groups throughout the day, including GERB, DPS, Democratic Bulgaria, We Continue the Change, Revival, all of whom signaled readiness to act as a constructive opposition. Representatives of these parties highlighted the importance of fiscal discipline, deficit reduction, and legislative reforms tied to European funding. Some also expressed concern over proposals to raise the debt ceiling, describing them as potentially damaging for investor confidence.

Earlier consultations included discussions on judicial reform and dismantling entrenched governance practices. Representatives from different parties stressed the need for transparency and institutional renewal, with calls for careful monitoring of future actions by the incoming majority. The issue of the so-called “Borissov-Peevski” model was repeatedly raised, with opposition figures warning they would react if commitments to dismantle it are not fulfilled.

The consultations concluded with representatives of “Revival,” who used the meeting to call for a referendum on restoring the national currency - the lev. They argued that rising debt and inflation require a shift in policy direction. “We are heading toward a dangerous scenario,” one representative said, urging the president to initiate a public vote. Yotova responded cautiously, noting that such decisions must be taken at the appropriate time and within the broader political context.

With the consultations completed, attention now turns to the next constitutional step. Yotova is expected to hand the first mandate to “Progressive Bulgaria” in the coming days. Given the party’s parliamentary majority, there are strong indications that a government could be proposed and approved rapidly, possibly by the end of the week. The president has indicated she will summarize the results of the talks before proceeding, as the process moves toward the formation of a new cabinet.