site.btaUPDATED Bulgaria Faced with New Political Situation After Elections, President Says during Government Talks with Progressive Bulgaria

Speaking here on Tuesday, President Iliana Iotova said that following the elections, this country is faced with a new political situation. Iotova held consultations with representatives of Progressive Bulgaria (PB) as part of the process of granting the first exploratory mandate to form a government. "It will not be easy for any institution in the country, but I hope for a new way of working between institutions," she added. 

Iotova congratulated Progressive Bulgaria on its strong performance in the April 19 snap parliamentary elections. "In the coming months, you will need to defend the election result you achieved in the parliamentary elections," she said.

"The people voted for security, a stable Bulgaria, and a stable government - for security in social policy, foreign policy, and defence," the President added.

As a political force that has won an absolute majority for the first time in two decades, people will clearly recognize who bears responsibility, she noted. "Everything is in your hands. You can form a government on your own. That depends on you,” Iotova added. She said she hopes Progressive Bulgaria's priorities will align with people’s expectations.

The head of State noted that the country is currently operating under an extended budget, which is difficult for the economy and for citizens. "The caretaker government managed to some extent, but not sufficiently, to protect the poorest and most vulnerable, who are struggling with the sharp rise in prices and the imbalance between prices and incomes," Iotova said. She also raised questions about whether an entirely new budget will be drawn up or they will stick with the budget left from the previous Parliament, whether amendments would be proposed, and how PB would work with social partners.

Iotova said that another priority should be a shift in governance and cooperation with institutions, partners, and citizens, aimed at greater transparency and clearer rules.

She also stressed the importance of how the country’s foreign policy relations are managed and of ensuring Bulgaria has a stronger voice among its European partners.

The attitude toward the opposition will also be important, she added.