site.btaNo Elections on Horizon Without Political Alternative, PM Zhelyazkov Says

Speaking to reporters during a visit to the Krumovo Air Base on Thursday, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said that holding early elections is only meaningful when a viable political alternative exists, something he believes is currently lacking in Bulgaria. At the Krumovo Air Base, he inspected the Armed Forces' readiness to respond to wildfires and other emergency situations.

Answering a question whether elections could be expected in the wake of the recent arrest of Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev, Zhelyazkov dismissed any political correlation with the case.

Zhelyazkov also addressed the progress of the BG-Alert national early warning system, confirming it is operational but noting that 67 municipalities have yet to complete the required training.

"The regional governors managed to undergo training within two days. And as we’ve seen, when there is early warning and prevention through the system, people are well-prepared, and preventive actions are both timely and effective," the Prime Minister said.

He urged mayors of the remaining municipalities to participate in the training. “This is about safeguarding the health and property of the people in your communities,” he noted, describing the appeal as an invitation rather than an ultimatum. Nevertheless, Zhelyazkov hinted that additional measures may be introduced to encourage local authorities to join the system.