After the end of the consultations with the political parties in the 43rd National Assembly on Wednesday, President Rossen Plevneliev gave a mandate to form a government to GERB leader Boyko Borisov, Prime Minister candidate nominated by the largest parliamentary group:

"I entrust the leader of GERB, Boyko Metodiev Borisov, to form a government. I serve you this decree in the hope that Bulgaria needs political and institutional stability," the President said.

Constitutionally, Boyko Borissov has seven days to propose to the head of state the structure and composition of the future cabinet, or to waive his right to form a government. He reduced the time to take a final decision and give himself an allowance of one day: "It is clear that the BSP does not want to participate in the coalition", said Boyko Borissov. "Under no circumstances does GERB want the support of the MRF for the future government. I ask them not to vote if we propose a cabinet because it generates huge speculation. From then on – I expect the other parties to vote according to their own judgment."

GERB does not intend to propose a cabinet without securing a parliamentary majority, but it depends on the consultations with the Reformist bloc, the Patriotic Front and ABV. They ended late on Wednesday evening. Eight hours were needed for the negotiating teams to overcome the problems about the programming declaration which must unite GERB, the reformers and the Patriotic Front.

"The full text of the program that contains the potential to be supported by more than two political parties, those who will form a coalition, is available", said Tomislav Donchev from GERB. "After extremely tough negotiations and a detailed social and economic analysis, tonight I can say that we have a dose of agreement. Tomorrow morning when the official text of the declaration is published, it has the potential to be supported by three, and perhaps four political forces."

Radan Kanev of the Reformist Bloc added:

"There is sufficient agreement both to form a government and that this government should have a program. All political parties which participated in the consultations have given their contribution to have a sufficient parliamentary majority so that this program could be implemented. I believe and I am convinced that in the current National Assembly that is the path to the best possible compromise and the best possible framework of governance."

Valeri Simeonov was positive that the Patriotic Front will support the Government in the vote in plenary hall and will not receive posts in return for its support: "There is now a final decision to support the document, therefore there will be support also for the government which will work on this document. So, the answer is "yes", posts – no," he said.

The coalition agreement between GERB and the Reformist bloc will be signed on Thursday. Afterwards, the program declaration of the political formations that participated in the negotiations – GERB, the Reformist Bloc, the Patriotic Front and ABV will be signed. Also, it is expected that the new government with Prime Minister Boyko Borissov will be voted on Friday.

After giving the exploratory mandate to form a government, the head of state said he had held consultations with all parliamentary political forces. He received no response only by the nationalists from Ataka political party.

"I believe that the Bulgarian people do not want new elections but rather a stable government”, said President Plevneliev. “I appeal to all parliamentary political forces to work for it. Everyone declared here with the president that they do not want new elections. They declared their willingness to support programs and policies that match meaningful national priorities. They all call for energy efficiency, they all agree on the construction of the South Stream gas pipeline, but in compliance with European rules, they all call for a dignified management of EU funds, for a balanced regional development, the list is very long. Here in the last few days I found that there is scope for agreement and a broad political agreement, if it is not just declared in words. Bulgaria needs a higher level of stability, I hope that the voice of reason will prevail."

Bulgaria needs new coalition policies, the president said, stressing that in the coming years no one has an absolute majority, "which means coalitions and agreement of principle". President Plevneliev was clear today that the parties can do something of historic importance and that the word “coalition” is not a dirty word, but part of the political process in any democratic country.

English: Rossitsa Petcova