site.btaGERB Party to Support Most of Bills Suggested by Deputy Prime Minister Simeonov of United Patriots Coalition, Except Eased Indoor Smoking Ban

Sofia, May 10 (BTA) - The parliamentary group of GERB, the major partner in the ruling coalition, will support most of the bills suggested by Deputy Prime Minister Valeri Simoenov, who is leader of the National Front for the Salvation of Bulgaria (NFSB), part of the power-sharing United Patriots coalition. However, GERB will take a firm stand against the easing of the ban on smoking in indoor public spaces suggested by Simeonov, it emerged after a meeting Thursday between Simeonov and GERB floor leader Tsvetan Tsvetanov. The meeting was initiated by Simeonov.

GERB will support legal amendments against gambling and lottery games moved by Simeonov, as well as amendments concerning local taxes, movable facilities at seaside beaches, and water supply.

Later on Thursday Simeonov met Bulgarian Socialist Party leader Kornelia Ninova. The two discussed the legal amendments moved by Simeonov.

BSP leader Ninova undertook to brief the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) about the bills moved by Simeonov. Speaking to reportrs, the NFSB leader said that he categorically refuses to solicit support from the MRF "as this would legitimize them as a political force". "For us they are a mafia-type organization," Simeonov said.

Simeonov said also that no mention had been made of a resignation of the incumbent government at the meeting.

Ninova however noted that the BSP had said that the cabinet is not effective and should resign. At the same time, the BSP leader pledged support in respect of all fundamental issues such as the demographic policy, national security, education and healthcare.

The BSP will also support Simeonov's amendments to the Gambling Act. Regarding the suggested eased ban on indoor smoking, the BSP MPs will vote according to their views. At the moment the BSP parliamentary group is equally divided about the suggested eased ban.

Next Wednesday Simeonov is scheduled to meet Volya party leader Vesselin Marehski.