THE PROCEDURE AFTER THE GOVERNMENT’S RESIGNATION

After the government’s resignation, the President has a leading role in the formation of the new government. By law, the President convenes consultations with the parliamentary groups and gives the mandate to form a new government to the largest parliamentary party, which in the current Parliament is GERB. If GERB returns the mandate, then the Head of State gives the mandate to the second largest parliamentary group, which is Coalition for Bulgaria.

In the event Coalition for Bulgaria also fails to form a government, the President offers the third and final mandate to another political party, represented in the current Parliament. The third mandate is offered to one of the minor parliamentary groups, as it is not obligatory to be offered to the third largest party in Parliament.

Each political group to which the mandate is given, has a  7-day period to respond.

If no agreement is reached on the formation of a government, the President appoints a caretaker government, dissolves the National Assembly and schedules new elections within a period no longer than 2 months.

The caretaker government has limited powers. It cannot sign agreements of high importance for the country and cannot make radical decisions. There is no parliamentary control because the National Assembly is dissolved. The main task of the caretaker government is to prepare and hold the early parliamentary elections. By law, the Government which tabled its resignation should fulfill its functions until a new government is formed.