GERB/SDS has withdrawn its nomination for president of the National Assembly. In the upcoming 8^th attempt to elect a president of parliament, there will be 3 candidates. Vazrazhdane is once again nominating Petar Petrov. There Is Such a People (ITN) is nominating Silvi Kiriliov again, and the Bulgarian Socialist Party-United Left – Natalia Kiselova.

• MPs face seventh failed attempt to elect Parliamentary Speaker

Before the resumption of the first sitting of the National Assembly, GERB leader Boyko Borissov commented that together with his party, they will “try to unravel the knot”. If the BSP garners a majority for Natalia Kiselova, outside of Vazrazhdane and Movement for Rights and Freedoms-New Beginning, then in the second round GERB will give its support, Boyko Borissov said.

As regards yesterday’s voting, Boyko Borissov commented that the behind-the-scenes dealings had been evident – We Continue the Change (PP) and Vazrazhdane have been acting in unison since summer, he said.

Natalia Kiselova is the most suitable candidate, Atanas Zafirov, acting chair of the Bulgarian Socialist Party-United Left told reporters in parliament building. Zafirov went on to say that the first political force (GERB – editorial note) had not nominated a candidate and this showed that the BSP’s call had been heeded. The United Left expects “reason to prevail and an end to be put to political skullduggery and backstage arrangements” so that “this knot can be unraveled as Bulgarian society expects,” he said. “I am optimistic that by the end of the day we shall have an elected president of the National Assembly,” said Atanas Zafirov.

After the first vote in plenary, Natalia Kiselova and Silvi Kirilov are going to take part in the second round of voting for president of the 51^st National Assembly. A one-hour recess has been given before the second round, at the insistence of We Continue the Change (PP/DB).