site.btaVP Iotova Says Vote of No Confidence Is Normal Practice, Describes Targeting Foreign Policy as Strange

A vote of no confidence is a normal practice, but it is a bit strange that it is introduced precisely about foreign policy against a relatively young cabinet, Vice President Iliana Iotova told journalists on Wednesday before a working meeting on the construction of a Culture and Art Centre for on St. St. Kirik and Julita Island in Sozopol.

She pointed out that introducing a a motion of no confidence is the right of every parliamentary group. "From here on in, however, what will be the content is important, because every vote of no confidence is an occasion for discussion and for specific decisions on which consensus must be sought in the National Assembly," she added. In that way Bulgaria's foreign policy position will also become more stable.

Iotova expressed doubt that the vote of no confidence will be a reason for a regrouping in the National Assembly. The Vice President noted that she expects a discussion on three important issues related to the country's foreign policy during the debate. First, how and whether the country will continue its participation in the Coalition of the Willing and what commitments will be made. Second, whether the funds from the Cohesion Fund will be used for the new initiative of the European Commission for arms production and rearmament. And third, what will Bulgaria's position be on the strategic approach to the Black Sea, which is expected to be presented by the European Commission on May 28.

The Vice President also commented on the decision of the parliamentary group of Democracy, Rights and Freedoms (DRF) to continue supporting the ruling coalition, pointing out that she had said already that even after the decision of the Constitutional Court she continues to believe that the ruling coalition is even more stable than it was before.