site.btaBSP's Nataliya Kiselova: Gutsanov Must Consult Party Leadership If Asked to Stay in Caretaker Cabinet

BSP-United Left Floor Leader Nataliya Kiselova said that Borislav Gutsanov should consult the Bulgarian Socialist Party's (BSP) leadership if he is offered to remain in the caretaker cabinet, commenting to Bulgarian National Television on reports that the outgoing Labour and Social Policy Minister may keep his post.

Kiselova stressed that no party should try to “appropriate” Andrey Gurov, nominated by President Iliana Iotova for caretaker prime minister, arguing he should be given room to form a cabinet capable of organizing the elections jointly with the Central Election Commission without causing serious political tensions. She underlined that it is Gurov’s responsibility to select the caretaker ministers, while Gutsanov must comply with party rules and consult the BSP leadership in advance.

According to Kiselova, the key question for the BSP is not whether it will enter the next parliament, but what position and goals it will pursue there. Asked about a possible coalition with Rumen Radev, she said this should be addressed to BSP leader Krum Zarkov and the coalition leadership, adding that parties are competitors before elections and can discuss cooperation afterwards.

She also reflected on the Left’s participation in government over the past year, noting two critical moments: the decision not to immediately dissolve parliament and the formation of a minority government after Democratic Bulgaria withdrew. From today’s perspective, she said, there is no unanimous positive assessment within the party, including at the BSP Congress.

Kiselova criticized certain policies of the outgoing government, particularly over rising prices and the absence of GERB ministers from public accountability, arguing that BSP ministers had acted responsibly while others in the coalition had not.