site.btaMECh Leader Vasilev Urges Government to Step Down, Rules Out Backing Parliamentary Quorum

MECh leader Radostin Vasilev called for the government’s resignation and for all recent developments in Bulgaria to be reinterpreted, speaking on the sidelines of Parliament on Wednesday. 

He added that his group would not register in the plenary hall, as they would not help form a quorum for the government.

Vasilev commented on the previous day’s meeting of GERB-UDF at the party’s headquarters, comparing Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov’s demeanor during the meeting to Vasilev's small Yorkshire Terrier after it has misbehaved.

He suggested that if the country moves towards elections, it would be logical to replace the current Chair of the National Assembly. However, Vasilev noted that every time MECh had called for such a move, Nataliya Kiselova had received support.

Hristo Rastashki from MECh said that there was little chance of a government reconfiguration, as the process should conclude once the largest parliamentary group withdraws. When asked by journalists what could be expected after GERB leader Boyko Borissov invited Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) Chair Delyan Peevski to officially join the government, Rastashki replied, “Nothing good.” He criticized the current administration for what he regarded as managerial incompetence and insisted that it should resign. Rastashki said MECh was ready for new elections.

Violeta Komitova of MECh anticipated a government reshuffle. She noted that MECh held a position on the Chair of the National Assembly and accused Kiselova of not fulfilling her official duties. Komitova declined to comment on which party should hold the chair.

On Tuesday, addressing the GERB-UDF parliamentary group, Borissov said they would no longer ensure parliamentary quorum and sent GERB-UDF MPs back to their constituencies.

Borissov made clear he saw no place for GERB-UDF in the current governance format. He also criticized Kiselova, accusing her of always seeking the spotlight wherever possible.

In late March 2025, after MECh’s parliamentary group dropped to nine MPs following the resignation of MECh MP Samuil Slavov, National Assembly Chair Nataliya Kiselova declared the group dissolved under rules requiring at least ten members. MECh leader Radostin Vasilev denounced the move as unlawful, arguing dissolution applies only when MPs leave or are expelled and noting two replacements were slated for swearing-in; he further alleged Kiselova acted under pressure and demanded her resignation, threatening civil disobedience and a motion of no-confidence.