site.btaDeputy PM Zafirov: We Are Willing to Work in Situation Involving Shifting Majorities to Ensure Stability

Speaking on Nova TV on Saturday, Bulgaria's Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov said that while "the divided opposition claims it wants to topple the government and calls for snap elections, all polls show that the Bulgarian public wants stability". "We are ready to provide this stability. In order to ensure this stability, we are willing to work in a situation involving shifting, supportive, non-supportive, situational majorities," he added.

Zafirov said that "Mr [Delyan] Peevski and MRF-New Beginning have been a fierce opposition to this government from day one. However, to the regret of the other parties [in opposition], I should say that at times it is a reasonable opposition that puts forward reasonable proposals and solutions."

The Deputy Prime Minister added that the coalition partners - GERB-UDF, BSP-United Left, and There Is Such a People - "are fully convinced and consistent in our intention to fulfill the moral commitment to Bulgarian society." He noted that, to achieve this, they seek the support of political forces because "our votes are simply not enough to enforce the three pillars—social policy, economic growth, political stability."

Zafirov described Bulgaria's stance on Ukraine as "objective, realistic, and balanced, in favor of peace and insisting on the involvement of all stakeholders in the negotiation process." "What is most important is to once again confirm our position that not a single Bulgarian soldier will be sent to Ukraine," he added. Zafirov also quoted Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who said on Saturday that no Italian troops would be deployed in a potential peacekeeping operation in Ukraine.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said that Bulgaria is ready to contribute to a solution for peace and security in Ukraine, alongside this country's European and transatlantic partners. Zhelyazkov was speaking during a virtual meeting with heads of State and Government, the Presidents of the European Commission and the European Council, and NATO officials. The meeting, hosted by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, aimed to further support Ukraine and explore steps toward ensuring a lasting and sustainable peace in the country.

Also on Saturday, Starmer said that Western allies other than the US were stepping up preparations to support Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire with Russia, with defence chiefs set to firm up "robust plans" next week, Reuters reported. 

After the call, which was joined by around 25 leaders, including those from Germany, France, Italy, Canada, Australia, and Ukraine, the British Prime Minister said the "coalition of the willing" had reaffirmed its commitment to Ukraine’s security.