site.btaGERB Doesn't Intend to Call Snap Elections

GERB Doesn't Intend to Call Snap Elections

Sofia, May 11 (BTA) - GERB announced that the only elections for which it is preparing in 2016 are the presidential ones and has no intention to call early parliamentary elections. The government is planning to serve out its full term, Floor Leader Tsvetan Tsvetanov said in the traditional statement at the opening of Parliament's new season.

Tsvetanov said GERB would have its presidential and vice presidential candidates. If they do not make it to a second round of voting, GERB will support the candidates of some of its coalition partners.

Tsvetanov congratulated Kornelia Ninova on her election as leader of the Bulgarian Socialist Party. He criticized ABV for its peremptory conduct and the part of the Reformist Bloc which withdrew its support for the government. GERB is paying a steep price for its loyalty to the platforms of its political partners, he said.

On Tuesday, ABV's National Council decided to propose at the party's congress this Sunday that ABV should cease its partnership in supporting the government and withdraw its representatives from it.

GERB's law-making priorities still are judicial reform, the fight against corruption and solving people's problems.

Regarding the judiciary, GERB insists on the adoption of the second part of amendments to the Judicial System Act and of amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure which will limit the possibility of returning cases for further investigation and will guarantee quicker entry of sentences into force.

Tsvetanov affirmed that GERB is in favour of constructive dialogue with all parliamentary groups, and stated that the political elite should make an effort to strengthen the Bulgarians' confidence in it by stepping up anti-corruption policies. "In recent years we have been tougher on our representatives in government than on those of other parties," he said. However, corruption should not be an excuse for a witch hunt, good legislation should put obstacles to corruption practices and should act as prevention, according to Tsvetanov. He reiterated that an increase in revenues is the most tangible manifestation of the fight against corruption and smuggling, adding that this is the real social policy.

GERB will continue delivering its election promise for retrofitting of residential buildings, which will benefit households with over 2,000 million leva. Money-strapped municipalities will be strengthened through amendments to the Public Finances Act.