site.btaUPDATED Zhelyazkov Cabinet Survives Fifth No-Confidence Vote

The Cabinet of Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov Thursday survived a no-confidence vote over failures in the sectors of internal security and justice, and worsening state capture. The motion was defeated in a 101-133 vote, with no abstentions.

The motion was backed by all 35 deputies of CC-DB, 33 of Vazrazhdane, 12 of Alliance for Rights and Freedoms, 11 of MECh and 10 of Velichie.

The “against” votes included all groups in the government coalition (65 of GERB-UDF, 19 of BSP – United Left and 17 of There Is Such a People) and 28 of MRF – New Beginning. The four unaffiliated MPs also voted to back the government.

The motion was submitted on September 12 by Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) and Morality, Unity, Honour (MECH), who accuse the Zhelyazkov Cabinet 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 (ARF).

It was the fifth no-confidence vote for this government. 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 MPs of Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria and the Alliance for Rights and Freedoms.