site.btaUPDATED GERB Leader Borissov: Rosen Zhelyazkov's Ousting as Parliament Chair Has Broken All Possibilities for Talks

GERB leader Boyko Borissov told journalists in Parliament here on Friday that "yesterday's (Thursday) action against (former Parliament chair) Rosen Zhelyazkov was violent, breaking all possibilities for talks". Borissov recalled that Zhelyazkov had been a universal figure during past negotiations with Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria, whom the latter had accepted, including as potential prime minister and minister.

The National Assembly removed its chairman Rosen Zhelyazkov from office on Thursday. His dismissal was proposed by MPs of Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) and BSP for Bulgaria, who accused him of systematically failing to discharge his duties.

"And what did they achieve? They replaced Rosen with Rositsa," said Borissov, referring to Rositsa Kirova, who became Parliament chair.

According to the National Assembly's rules of procedure, until a new chair is elected, the legislature is chaired by a deputy chair nominated by the largest parliamentary force, which in this case is Rositsa Kirova of GERB-UDF.

According to Borissov, “absolutely everything is lost in the relationship with CC-DB”.

He called on CC-DB to list the good things they have accomplished together with GERB and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms, which add up to over 46 bills adopted jointly. Borissov once again noted that he does not regret the past nine months of the government.

Borissov was adamant that GERB and MRF will not form a government alone. “As of today, given what CC-DB did, there are no conditions for a stable government,” he said, adding that he believes there will be at least another five caretaker governments in light of the situation.

He said that GERB voted against including on Parliament’s agenda on Friday the report of the ad hoc committee, set up to investigate corrupt practices in the National Customs Agency and the possible role of outgoing Finance Minister Assen Vassilev in those practices. “We did not allow for Parliament to be used in the election campaign,” he said.

Borissov commented Vanya Grigorova’s bid to run the parliamentary elections by saying that this may change how the future National Assembly will look, judging by her election campaign for Sofia mayor.

Grigorova lost to incumbent Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev in highly contested local elections. Terziev was nominated by CC-DB and Save Sofia, while Grigorova ran on the Bulgarian Socialist Party's ticket. In the June 9 early parliamentary elections, however, she will run with the Bulgarian Solidarity coalition.