site.btaBorissov to Propose All-GERB Government, Refuses Support from Individual MPs from Other Parties

GERB leader Boyko Borissov Wednesday told reporters he would propose a minority government because all parties had stated red lines. It will be an all-GERB government because this is what the party's supporters want. That is why GERB has an 11%-plus lead over the others and any other option would fall into disfavour with GERB sympathizers, he said.

Borissov was adamant that he did not want support from individual MPs of other parties - unless they offered support as a party or a parliamentary group - so as to avoid allegations that GERB was "buying" MPs. He said it was a"100% lie" that someone from GERB had talked with members of another parliamentary group about support.

"I was clear at the consultation with the President and we are all preparing for elections," Borissov said. He was referring to the fact that GERB-UDF and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) are seven votes short of a majority in the 240-seat Parliament. "Everybody says Boyko should act responsibly and form a government, or else there will be elections. But 68 MPs are not enough for a government - (...) it will be blackmailed all the time," the GERB leader said.

He also denied that GERB had agreed a cabinet with the MRF. "I will nominate a government of shared responsibility if Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria declares support, or another party does so - then we will avoid elections. I need a party's support," Borissov said.