site.btaMost Political Leaders Approve of Ognyan Gerdjikov's Appointment as Caretaker Prime Minister

Most Political Leaders Approve of Ognyan Gerdjikov's Appointment as Caretaker Prime Minister

Sofia, January 25 (BTA) - Parliamentary party leaders on Wednesday commented on Ognyan Gerdjikov's appointment as caretaker Prime Minister. Most of them approved of President Rumen Radev's decision.

GERB Floor Leader Tsvetan Tsvetanov said Gerdjikov is a good choice. He noted that no one has ever said anything bad about the new government leader.

Patriotic Front Co-Chairman Krassimir Karakachanov thinks that Gerdjikov is a level-headed politician and a respected law professional. Therefore, his government is unlikely to make any sharp moves and show any bias in relation to the upcoming early parliamentary elections, Karakachanov said. Judging by unofficial information about the membership of the future cabinet, the country's foreign policy will probably remain unchanged. It seems that it will be a well-balanced cabinet, Karakachanov said.

According to Democrats for Strong Bulgaria Chairman Radan Kanev, Gerdjikov's appointment as Prime Minister is not good news. Kanev said he does not know Gerdjikov personally, but the two have defended very different views about the judicial reform. Using the back door to return to politics is not the best possible sign, Kanev said, referring to Gerdjikov's practical, if not official, withdrawal from politics after serving as Parliament leader and a ranking member of the SNM party. Describing the likely future cabinet as ambitious, he wished them success.

The Movement for Rights and Freedoms views Gerdjikov's appointment positively, said the party leader, Moustafa Karadayi. Prof. Gerdjikov is a well-known public figure, a professor of law with experience in politics, Karadayi said. The other persons tipped to become cabinet members have proven themselves as experts in their respective fields, he noted.

BDC-Popular Union Co-Floor Leader Krassimira Kovachka said President Radev's choice of cabinet members has shown pragmatism untarnished by political bias. Kovachka said Prime Minister Gerdjikov is a person of high prestige with a centrist mindset, who is familiar with the government machinery.