51st National Assembly Challenged GERB-UDF, Says MP Bikov

Nikolay Zabov

GERB-UDF MP Toma Bikov addressing Parliament from the rostrum, Sofia, March 19, 2026 (BTA Photo/Blagoy Kirilov)

Sofia,

19.03.2026 12:45

(BTA)

GERB-UDF MP Toma Bikov read a declaration from the parliamentary rostrum on Thursday on behalf of his coalition, which stated that the 51st National Assembly was a challenge for GERB-UDF.

The declaration read: "The outgoing National Assembly was one of the most significant tests for our coalition GERB-UDF. Right from the start, we had to either reaffirm our stated commitment to Bulgarian voters to do everything in our power to end the political crisis or call for new early elections."

Bikov continued: "In addition to the heated debates in parliament, we also kept an eye on the bigger picture in the world. Bulgaria is surrounded by geopolitical conflicts. The international order is undergoing a radical transformation. There was also an opening for Bulgaria to join the eurozone, which is not only a financial and economic act but also an act marking Bulgaria’s civilizational affiliation."

The MP noted the fragmented structure of the 51st National Assembly, as it grew from eight political forces to nine. He said that GERB-UDF was expected to balance between defending the national interest and taking public opinion into account. He concluded: "The price we paid for these efforts was the significant public backlash we faced for entering into a coalition with parties holding divergent political views; yet today we can say that we have succeeded in achieving our primary goal during this term, namely Bulgaria’s full membership in all EU institutions."

/KK/