site.btaNational Assembly to Debate Fifth No-Confidence Motion Against Government

Bulgarian MPs are expected on Wednesday, September 17, to debate a fifth motion of no confidence in the government led by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, over alleged failure of internal order and security, justice, and state capture. The debate is the first item on the Parliament's agenda for the week.

According to the National Assembly’s rules, the vote will be held 24 hours after the conclusion of the debate.

The motion was submitted on September 12 by Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (CC–DB) and Morality, Unity, Honour (MECH), who accuse the government of a systematic failure in maintaining public order and security, ensuring justice, and tackling the erosion of state institutions. The motion is co-signed by MPs from the Alliance for Rights and Freedoms. Though not among the initiators, parties Vazrazhdane and Velichie have signalled their intention to support the motion in plenary.

“The problem of the state capture and hijacked institutions is a direct result of systemic corruption at the highest levels of power, through which state bodies stop serving the public interest and instead act in the private interest of a small group of political and non-political actors,” the initiators argue in their reasoning.

They further claim that the current government lacks both the will and the capacity to implement effective policies in public order and crime prevention. They point to complete inaction by the Interior Minister, a lack of understanding of the internal security domain, and a refusal to take meaningful steps to stop criminal practices within the Interior Ministry or combat crime across society.

Responding to the motion, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said that as long as the government enjoys the support of its parliamentary backers and coalition partners, it will continue to function. “The more we are attacked, the more motivated we are to govern,” he added.

GERB leader Boyko Borissov, whose party is the mandate-holder for the current government, criticized CC–DB for aligning with Vazrazhdane, which is “protesting against our path”. “What do CC–DB propose with this vote of no-confidence – a political embrace with Vazrazhdane? Their plan is to destroy without having any idea what to build in its place,” Borissov said, accusing them of hypocrisy and failing to propose a viable alternative.

Before the summer recess, the Zhelyazkov government survived four previous no-confidence votes. The first one was for failure in the foreign policy sector initiated by Vazrazhdane, backed by Velichie and MECH. It was followed by one for failure in the fight against corruption initiated by MECH, supported by Velichie and Vazrazhdane. The next one was for failure in the area of fiscal policy submitted by Vazrazhdane, with support from MECH and Velichie. The fourth was for failure in the environment and water sector initiated by Velichie, supported by MECH and Vazrazhdane, and additionally backed in plenary by CC, one Yes, Bulgaria (part of Democratic Bulgaria) leader, and MPs from the Alliance for Rights and Freedoms.

Despite these repeated challenges, all four no-confidence votes failed to bring down the government.