Bulgaria’s PM Petkov at a pro-government rally: Thank you for being together!

A demonstration in support of the government is being held under extreme security measures this evening, June 21.

Prime Minister Kiril Petkov, Deputy Prime Minister Assen Vassilev and former Speaker of Parliament, Nikola Minchev, came out to the people after the nearly 8-hour debate in the National Assembly on the no-confidence vote, which will be voted on at an extraordinary sitting tomorrow, at 19:10.

"These people turned the tide. The no-confidence vote doesn't matter that much because then we from “We Continue the Change” will have a first mandate to form a government and potential elections. After that, we have a long way to go. As long as all the people have decided that Bulgaria will be different, I am not afraid," added Kiril Petkov. In his words, it is a matter of cause and like-minded people to gather the necessary number of MPs," the Prime Minister told journalists.

Bulgaria's Parliament debates a vote of no-confidence against the government

"No matter what happens in tomorrow's vote, no one can stop us. After the vote there is a first mandate to form a government, after the first mandate - elections come. As long as we are all together and there are so many of us, they cannot take over Bulgaria. Thank you for being together!" he said.

Linda Petkova, the Prime Minister's wife, also attended the rally in support of the government for the second night in a row.

"I have spoken to anyone who wants to ask me what our causes and goals are and that will continue, everyone has a choice. Loyalty should be to Bulgaria, not to someone's political leader. We rely on independent MPs. The topic concerning the Republic of North Macedonia will be decided only by the National Assembly, I have promised that and I will keep my word," said Kiril Petkov.

"The truth is that I cannot believe what is happening and you just leave me speechless. Thank you - your support and your strength are the guarantee that justice will eventually prevail in this country," Nikola Minchev, who was recently removed from the post of speaker of Parliament, said.

The demonstrators began chanting "Nikola!"

Minchev also announced that if there are nominations, the vote for a new Speaker of Parliament is scheduled for tomorrow morning at 9 am.

From 6:30 p.m., demonstrators in support of the government began to gather at "St. Alexander Nevski” square. Supporters of "We Continue the Change" spoke from the podium. The Ministers of Defence and of Innovation - Dragomir Zakov and Daniel Lorer were present, and after the debates in the National Assembly, more ministers and MPs from “We Continue the Change”came to the square.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the Parliament building, a protest against the government, organised by “Vazrazhdane”party, was held in front of the monument to Tsar Osvoboditel.