site.btaGERB Rules Out Coalition Participation, Sees Low Chances for Government, Says Leader Boyko Borissov

After voting in Sofia's Bankya neighbourhood, GERB leader Boyko Borissov said his party will not take part in coalitions and will instead engage in talks on specific issues, particularly in geopolitics and defence, where it will act as a constructive opposition.

According to him, the chances of forming a government after Sunday's elections are very slim, as GERB will not participate in coalition arrangements. "Those who claim they will not form a coalition with GERB have not been given any assurances that this could happen. We already made our compromises in coalitions, in providing support. I do not see with whom we could form a coalition now," Borissov said.

"My forecast is that after this past year, when we completed all the important tasks in the state but also suffered damage from our partners - and perhaps so did they - we will make no further compromises. Now, if someone wants support for legislation, I will not provide it the way I used to," he said, referring to the government of GERB-UDF and Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria in 2023-2024.

Asked if he would support the election of a new Supreme Judicial Council and a Prosecutor General, Borissov said he would comment after the elections.

"When a major robbery is taking place, the police are always sent somewhere else," the GERB leader said, answering a question about the Interior Ministry's efforts to crack down on vote buying. "I do not want to comment on whether there is vote rigging, especially with the machines - we issued warnings,” he added.

Borissov also expressed disappointment that key foreign policy issues were not discussed during the campaign and reaffirmed his party's pro-European orientation.