site.bta5th No-Confidence Motion in Zhelyazkov Cabinet Submitted in Parliament

Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) and Morality, Unity, Honour (MECh) MPs submitted a motion of no confidence in the Rosen Zhelyazkov Cabinet on Friday. The sponsors specified that the motion is over the Cabinet's "failure of internal order and security, justice, and state capture".

This is the fifth vote of no confidence in the Zhelyazkov Cabinet. The first vote was for failure in the foreign policy sector. It was followed by one for failure in the fight against corruption, then for failure in the area of fiscal policy, and lastly, for failure in the environment and water sector. 

Earlier on Friday, MECh leader Radostin Vasilev said that he expected this to be the first vote supported by the entire opposition in Parliament and to be accompanied by the most meaningful and lasting debate.

The arguments in the no-confidence motion are divided between MECh and CC–DB. Vasilev's party is responsible for the issues related to internal order and security, while CC–DB cover the justice sector. 

Vasilev said that he did not expect this vote to cause the Government’s collapse and fall, but he expected parties to have enough time to talk about what is happening in the country.

Vazrazhdane MP Angel Slavchev told reporters in Parliament that the biggest problem is the water shortage, and Vazrazhdane had been ready with a no-confidence motion on this issue as early as July 20. According to Slavchev, Vazrazhdane needs five signatures to submit the motion, but Morality, Unity, Honour (MECh) and Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) have refused to sign. Only Velichie has signed, Slavchev said. He noted that Vazrazhdane would support any motion of no confidence. 

Velichie Floor Leader Ivelin Mihaylov told journalists in Parliament that his party will back the no-confidence motion over justice. Mihaylov argued that the judicial system is not functioning, which is killing the economy, the functioning of the state, and the sense among Bulgarian citizens that they live in a rule-of-law country and are protected.

The vote was submitted at 2 pm with the signatures of CC-DB, MECh, and a part of the Alliance for Rights and Freedoms. 

CC-DB MP Bozhidar Bozhanov said told journalists after the submission that the State is systematically refusing to fight against behind-the-scenes interests. He added: "When it comes to the circles and behind-the-scenes dealings, we must first mention [Movement for Rights and Freedoms - New Beginning Floor Leader Delyan] Peevski, who, through illegitimate means, has gained more and more power in the country." The CC-DB MP compared the current situation to an oligarchy and a dictatorship.

CC Chair Assen Vassilev said that Bulgaria deserves a better government than the current one. He argued that the government in office today is to blame for the prices of electricity having risen more in six months than in the last three years, when there was an energy crisis.

DB Chair Atanas Atanassov said there are serious flaws in the area of internal security and public order. He accused the government of having usurped repressive power to be used against inconvenient persons.

National Assembly Chair Nataliya Kiselova said Friday that she expects the debate on the latest motion of no confidence against the Rosen Zhelyazkov Cabinet to be held on Wednesday. She said the discussions cannot take place sooner as the MPs need to familiarize themselves with the motives behind the motion.