site.btaOutgoing PM Expects Invitation from GERB to Renew Government Talks
![Outgoing PM Expects Invitation from GERB to Renew Government Talks](/upload/5398117/1ee72b954ed347668d90501016817684--0--c3807a69defd4af0a0c3cb8900423aaf.jpg?l=1000)
![Outgoing PM Expects Invitation from GERB to Renew Government Talks](/upload/5398117/1ee72b954ed347668d90501016817684--0--c3807a69defd4af0a0c3cb8900423aaf.jpg?l=1000&original=)
Outgoing Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov told reporters in Brussels on Thursday that he expects an invitation from GERB for renewed talks on the formation of a government. Denkov is in the Belgian capital for a two-day meeting of the European Council.
The Prime Minister said: "All negotiating opportunities should be used for the first mandate. It should be seen as national. We need to stabilize the political situation again and re-enter a process of negotiations that will bring us to a positive outcome." He reported that Bulgaria's European partners are concerned that the situation may be destabilizing.
Denkov stated that GERB-UDF broke off the negotiations, which is why GERB-UDF must suggest a way to proceed. He added: "The biggest problem today is that the trust that I personally expressed towards [outgoing Deputy Prime Minister and Prime Minister-designate] Mariya Gabriel was broken." He did not specify whether he sees a scenario where Gabriel becomes the new Prime Minister. Denkov said: "I cannot imagine any explanation for what happened other than that Mariya Gabriel was under heavy pressure from other people, and she gave in. This is a problem."
Denkov was adamant that that any changes related to the government rotation should be approved by both sides - GERB-UDF and Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria. "We need to try to converge our positions, not [set] ultimatums," he said.
The Prime Minister also addressed the case of Finance Minister Assen Vassilev calling Gabriel "the beautiful face of the Mafia" on Tuesday and GERB's demanding an apology. Denkov said: "Let me remind you that I have been personally insulted many times by various politicians: [Movement for Rights and Freedoms co-leader] Delyan Peevski, [GERB-UDF MP] Delyan Dobrev, including Mr Borissov [GERB-UDF leader Boyko Borissov] recently. You have never heard me ask for an apology, because politics is no place for such games. We are not in kindergarten. We need to find a solution, we need to return to the negotiating table, finish [the negotiations], so that Bulgaria has a government."
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