site.btaGERB Leader Borissov: We Will No Longer Take Part in Negotiations

"We will no longer take part in the negotiations," GERB party leader Boyko Borissov told journalists in the corridors of the National Assembly on Thursday. He confirmed GERB's decision not to support a government under the second exploratory mandate even if the mandate goes to Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria.

"Kostadin Kostadinov is the new Peevski in Parliament," Borissov said, referring to what he apparently sees as the new power-broker in Bulgarian politics, Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov.

Borissov made it clear he does not like to be associated with Movement for Rights and Freedoms leader Delyan Peevski.

"On Wednesday, it was already clear that Bulgaria was headed for elections," the GERB leader commented.

On Wednesday, the National Assembly defeated the proposal of the GERB-UDF parliamentary group for Rosen Zhelyazkov to become prime minister. The nomination was rejected by 98 votes in favour and 138 against, with 2 abstentions. President Rumen Radev is expected to grant a second exploratory mandate for forming a government under the 50th National Assembly.