site.btaAlliance for Rights and Freedoms Won't Participate in No-Confidence Vote

The parliamentary group of the Alliance for Rights and Freedoms announced Thursday that it will not participate in the vote of no confidence against the Zhelyazkov government, citing serious differences with the motion’s sponsors, especially regarding the eurozone membership issue. ARF’s Hasan Ademov emphasized that while a no-confidence vote is a constitutional tool for dialogue, now may not be the right time to topple the government - especially on the eve of the final decision on Bulgaria's accession to the eurozone.

He questioned whether there is a clear political alternative and expressed concern about risks to fiscal stability both short- and long-term. Ademov stated, “At this moment, the vote raises serious questions: Is this the right time to call for the government’s dismissal, right before the final eurozone membership decision?”

He also warned, “Bulgaria risks entering an excessive deficit procedure in the coming years if consolidation measures are not taken.”

He highlighted troubling growth in social security deficits and healthcare budget transfers, warning these structural problems will increase pressure on public finances, and called for responsible and non-populist fiscal management to address these risks. 

Ademov criticized the governing coalition’s attitude towards supporting parties as “not only ungrateful but politically shortsighted”, and said that "a 'New Beginning' badge will be pinned to the government's lapel, because, they say, [MRF - New Beginning leader Delyan] Peevski pursues his interests and delivers on his promises". That, he said, shows "a total dependence exists on a model that has captured the entire State including the distribution of public finances". 

He said that all state institutions have unleashed "a punitive operation against the Alliance for Rights and Freedoms" for fighting state capture.