Bulgaria's Parliament Unanimously Voted to Accept the Resignation of the Government

Bulgaria's Parliament on December 12 unanimously voted to accept the resignation of the cabinet. With 227 votes in favour and none against or abstaining, MPs approved the departure of Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov and his government. How did the debate unfold, and what follows as a procedure?

The debate lasted exactly two hours. The largest parliamentary group, GERB–UDF, praised the government’s work and thanked Rosen Zhelyazkov for “remaining down-to-earth" and not becoming intoxicated by power. Tensions rose between GERB–UDF and 'We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria' (WCC-DB) over who should bear responsibility going forward. The discussion about responsibility became intertwined with arguments over the 2026 state budget and the extension law, only days before Bulgaria’s planned entry into the eurozone.

All parliamentary groups indicated they see no viable configuration for forming a new government within the current Parliament. They called for swift early elections, meaning that once the President completes the mandatory consultations, the so-called “mandate roulette” should proceed quickly, followed by new consultations and the appointment of a caretaker government.

The debate took place without the presence of the cabinet, and without GERB leader Boyko Borisov or Movement for Rights and Freedoms leader Delyan Peevski.

In the absence of the prime minister and the ministers, the debate on the resignation of the Zhelyazkov cabinet began. PP-DB believe that this is the parliament of failed opportunities.

In the absence of the Prime Minister and his ministers, WCC-DB began by saying this Parliament had become one of “missed opportunities”.

Bozhidar Bozhanov (WCC-DB):
“You will continue to bear responsibility until the next elections. Do not try to escape it or pretend to be the opposition in a Parliament you yourselves configured around a flawed model. The isolation of Peevski began on the square (referring to the protests). It is our duty to finish it.”

GERB opposed them by praising the ministers. They pointed out that the government unfroze EU funds and rescued the Recovery and Resilience Plan.

Toma Bikov (GERB–UDF):
“We never wanted to govern against the situation. Yes, mistakes were made that should not have been made and in terms of a show of force, arrogance - I will say it directly. I hope that President Rumen Radev will take his responsibility boldly to finally announce his political project and stand for the parliamentary elections."

Disagreements between the ruling parties and the opposition sharpened further around the budget.

Bozhidar Bozhanov (WCC-DB):
“The responsibility for the budget and for extending it lies with the government — that is what the Constitution says. You must submit the extension budget.”

Toma Bikov (GERB–UDF):
“We will fulfil our responsibility to ensure an extension budget, but in this situation a new budget cannot be adopted. The people with the legitimacy to speak on budget matters are Asen Vasilev and Rumen Radev.”

Asen Vasilev (WCC-DB):
“You want us, from tomorrow, to carry responsibility for the nonsense you will vote through with your majority. That will not happen.”

Denitsa Sacheva (GERB–UDF):
“We will not leave the state in chaos. But we will no longer bear responsibility for fulfillment of you dreams.”

BSP pointed out what they think is next.

Dragomir Stoynev (BSP–United Left):
“The sense is that we are once again returning to political chaos — and with heads held high. In our view, there must be a budget. A one-twelfth mechanism is not a solution. You need revenue to spend one-twelfth. And don’t think the protesters love the opposition — political apathy is widespread.”

There were sharp exchanges with 'There Is Such a People', who accused WCC-DB of hypocrisy, reminding them of their previous cooperation with MRF during the “assemblage”.

Toshko Yordanov 'There Is Such a People':
“You drafted the budget together with them. You amended the Constitution with them — and the signatures of Delyan Peevski and your leaders are there. And it’s amusing how well you know the cabinet offices, since you visited often. There is no budget now because of you.”

The leader of Vazrazhdane was brief.

Kostadin Kostadinov (Vazrazhdane):
“Congratulations to all free Bulgarians! Congratulations that we have succeeded in sending this government of thugs, oligarchs and corruption into history.”

'Alliance for Rights and Freedoms' and 'Morality, Unity, Honour' (MECH) outlined their expectations for the future.

Hajri Sadakov (ARF):
“From here onwards, we must all draw clear conclusions about the behaviour expected in politics. The people protesting on the squares are not there only for a few days — they will continue to watch us.”

Radostin Vasilev (MECH):
“Anyone who in any way touches GERB or ‘New Beginning’ disappears from the political stage. Under no circumstances and at no price will we collaborate with GERB or Delyan Peevski.”

Ivaylo Mirchev once again handed GERB a folder calling on them to sign for the dismissal of the head of the Anti-Corruption Commission. Exactly two hours after the debate began, MPs voted unanimously to accept the resignation of the Zhelyazkov cabinet.

photos by BTA