site.btaGERB Leader Wants Regular Government, Says Party Would Take Responsibility if Allowed

Meeting with GERB members in Stara Zagora (Southeastern Bulgaria) on Tuesday to mark the party’s 18th anniversary, GERB leader Boyko Borissov said, "I want there to be a government. I want us to take responsibility, if they allow us - that is fine, because the people have given us this power." His remarks were broadcast on Facebook.

Regarding Atanas Atanasov, the Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria’s (CC-DB) candidate for National Assembly Chair, Borissov said, "I have the utmost respect for Atanasov, but it is not about his personality. I would vote for him with both hands, but how can I possibly do it when there is no cabinet."

The GERB leader said that earlier in the day, they held talks with BSP-United Left and Democratic Bulgaria "because Continue the Change would not participate". "They suggested that we vote for General Atanasov tomorrow [when the ninth attempt to elect a Parliament Chair will take place] and then form topic-based majorities with the rest of the parties to elect new regulatory bodies," Borissov said. "Sure, but people will say that they have voted for Borissov, yet they get Atanasov instead," Borissov added. "We are making concessions. We are dialogical, but they are walking over us. I will not allow that because you will not let us," he addressed the GERB members.

Borissov said that the caretaker government should submit a budget to Parliament so "the parties can see what all these caretaker governments have done in recent years".

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Atanasov said that he would count on the support of all MPs.