GERB AND “BULGARIA WITHOUT CENSORSHIP” COALITION TALKS FAIL TO REACH AGEEMENT

On the fifth day of its consultations with other political parties for formation of a government, the centre-right GERB broke off negotiations with the coalition “Bulgaria without Censorship” (BWC) after only two hours and said there would be no further meeting.

The negotiating team of GERB says they are firm that BWC representatives did not present the common political position of their party, but just personal opinions. GERB says they are worried because of the discrepancies between BWC’s election programme and their current opinions.

During 17th of October meeting, the two negotiating teams managed to discuss only 4 of the 18 policy priorities of GERB and reached agreement on just 1 - Bulgaria’s membership in the EU. There were significant and serious differences regarding the other priorities, the representatives of GERB negotiating team said.

BWC have stated that when they see the appointments in the government and its programme, then they will decide whether to support it, without participating in it.

A second round of negotiations is likely to take place with the “ Reformist Bloc” and the “Patriotic Front”.