WCC–DB Submits No-Confidence Motion Against the Zhelyazkov Cabinet

The parliamentary group of We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (WCC–DB) has submitted a no-confidence motion against the government of Rosen Zhelyazkov over its economic policy. This is the sixth motion targeting the cabinet and comes in the wake of mass protests across the country. The motion was filed with the National Assembly’s registry with the support of Alliance for Rights and Freedoms (ARF) and MECH (Morality, Unity, Honour).

This is the sixth consecutive no-confidence motion against the Zhelyazkov cabinet. The subject is the government’s economic policy. The request for the cabinet’s resignation has also been signed by MPs from ARF and MECH.

GERB leader Boyko Borissov commented that every party has the right to request a no-confidence vote. Regarding parliamentary support for the cabinet, he said he had prepared a special “test”. Today, GERB–UDF are submitting a proposal to dissolve the “Soros Committee” (ad hoc committee of inquiry into the facts and circumstances surrounding the activities of George and Alexander Soros and their foundations in Bulgaria), which was created at the initiative of “MRF – New Beginning”. Whether this will destabilise the relationship between Borissov and Peevski will become clear as early as next week.

Asen Vasilev, WCC–DB:
“We have submitted a no-confidence motion against this government. This is the first motion tabled with the active involvement of Bulgaria’s youngest generation. The future belongs to them and we are obliged to provide it for them.”

Bozhidar Bozhanov, WCC–DB:
“We submitted this no-confidence motion with the support of ARF and MECH, for which we thank them. But we expect it to be backed in the chamber by anyone who still has a liitle political instinct left. We expect to head to elections as quickly as possible, because with the civic energy currently present, we anticipate much higher voter turnout.”

Atanas Atanasov, WCC–DB:
“We have submitted a no-confidence motion over the government’s failure on the economy. And I would like to recall a memorable phrase by US President Clinton: ‘It’s the economy, stupid.’ So the fools should realise why we want this government to go.”

Hayri Sadakov, Chair of the ARF Parliamentary Group:
“Our entire group signed as co-sponsors of the forthcoming no-confidence motion against the government, convinced that this is the right course of action. Considering the nationwide scale of the protests against the government’s policy—and now the personalisation of this discontent around two figures—we are co-sponsors of the motion.”

Boyko Borissov, Chair of the GERB Parliamentary Group:
“Every party has the right to request a no-confidence vote. Everything set out in the Constitution and within democratic and legal norms can be done.
– Does it worry you?
– Let’s see what the motives are, because this year we renegotiated the Recovery Plan, billions entered Bulgaria, whereas in the previous three years not a single euro or lev had come in. During this period, we concluded contracts for two new factories. Today I will carry out a test to see whether we are working together.

– What will it be?
– We have collected the signatures and will submit to Parliament—probably within 30–40 minutes, as it is being drafted now, and I am the first signatory—a proposal to abolish the "Soros" Committee. And I appeal here to our colleagues from WCC and DB who, during the vote, were absent—17 of them—from the chamber, allowing the committee to pass. Today I am submitting a draft resolution to disband this committee, and we shall see how everyone votes.”

The government’s resignation was also raised during the parliamentary 'question time' session. Elisaveta Belobradova had even prepared, on behalf of the protesters, a folder that she presented to Rosen Zhelyazkov, calling for his resignation.

Bogdan Bogdanov, WCC–DB:
“The budget is a mirror of the government’s overall policy and of how those in power allocate public resources. When, Prime Minister, do you intend to resign?”

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov:
“This year, the Bulgarian economy has grown at rates not seen in recent years. Bulgaria is registering double the average growth of Europe. We will reach around 3% growth and may even be second in Europe. For next year, the macroeconomic forecast also predicts exceptionally high GDP. Unemployment is steadily falling. This year, through the Recovery and Resilience Plan, a record 5 billion leva will be invested in the Bulgarian economy, much of which has already been allocated. Revenue agencies have recorded a historic increase in collection—9 billion more compared with 2024. All of this reflects the formalisation of business activity. The scenario you refer to is outlined in Article 89, paragraph 2 of the Bulgarian Constitution.”

Photographs: Desislava Kulelieva (BNT), BTA

With these words, the Prime Minister reminded MPs that a government falls when Parliament votes for and adopts a no-confidence motion.