GERB leader Boyko Borissov on September 26 commented in the sidelines of Parliament on the continued lack of quorum, which for a third consecutive day has prevented the National Assembly from holding a sitting. He explained that several MPs were absent due to official visits:
“Our MPs are in Japan, in France and in the USA. They are coming back today,” Borissov said on the sidelines of the Parlaiment.
About President Radev's criticism, Borissov replied thus:
“Bad manners. A head of state should not speak like that – if you’re a party leader, yes, but not as president. He uses every possibility to talk against the government. If something is said about ‘Botas’, should that one and a half million BGN that goes to Turkey be taken tomorrow from Bulgarian teachers, or the day after from Bulgarian doctors?”
Borissov also confirmed that GERB has considered a candidate for the presidential elections but refused to disclose a name.
On protests and government stability, he noted:
“I saw the polls yesterday – the second and third have as much support as me. Every day there’s a risk of early elections. From day one I’ve said this is the most unstable government because it was formed because after eight early parliamentary elections the state was in turmoil brought on by Radev and his circle.”
He also referred to international developments and upcoming sanctions against Russia:
“From 1 January, Russian LNG will stop for Europe, and pipeline gas will also stop. States must now make long-term contracts for LNG. The deal with ‘Botas’ hangs around our necks like a millstone. There are so many important issues to resolve – from a completely failed Recovery and Resilience Plan, we should at least try to bring several billion into the state. And now, everyone is unhappy, even those who used to accuse ministers of being pressured over public procurement.”