site.btaGERB, United Patriots Differ on Majoritarian Voting

GERB, United Patriots Differ on Majoritarian Voting

Sofia, April 7 (BTA) - GERB and the United Patriots failed to reach agreement on the introduction of a majoritarian voting system after several hours of talks on a joint government programme on Friday. Still, GERB's Vladislav Goranov is optimistic that they will agree by April 19 when Parliament will hold its first sitting.

The United Patriots coalition prefers the German electoral system (in which first-past-the-post voting and proportional representation each fills half of the seats in the Bundestag), while GERB wants the referendum in favour of a majoritarian voting system to be fully implemented.

IMRO leader Krassimir Karakachanov said the differences would be ironed out in Parliament.

Pensions are another sticking point for now as the United Patriots insist on setting the minimum pension at 300 leva. "It is all a matter of calculations and possibilities," said Karakachanov. Goranov, who was finance minister of GERB's previous cabinet, added that the sides had enough time to reach agreement.

They are yet to agree on some points of foreign policy as well. The United Patriots emphasize Bulgaria's role in the Balkans as the engine of NATO and EU membership for the other Balkan countries. This will win Bulgaria greater respect in Europe and the world, according to the coalition.

GERB and the United Patriots have no differences on security and household crime.

Goranov and Karakachanov said they had not discussed ministerial portfolios. One thing is certain - that Boyko Borissov will be prime minister.

Answering a question, Karakachanov said he did not insist on becoming defence minister.

Asked if GERB would entrust the defence portfolio to a nationalist formation, Goranov said that nationalist does not mean xenophobic if it is not against Bulgaria's NATO membership and Euro-Atlantic orientation.