Petkov and Borislavova Demanded My Resignation, Not the PG – OFFNews

Bulgarian Lawmaker Faces Ouster After Defying Coalition

Bulgarian politician Yavor Bozhankov is on the brink of losing his seat after a contentious vote in the National Assembly. Bozhankov, a member of the "We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria" coalition, defied his party by refusing to support a candidate backed by the ruling coalition. This move has sparked a political firestorm, with calls for his resignation and accusations of treason.

The controversy stems from the election of Silvio Kirilov as Speaker of the National Assembly. Kirilov, a candidate from the populist "There Is Such a People" party, secured the position with the support of Bozhankov’s coalition. This unexpected outcome has raised eyebrows, as the "We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria" coalition had previously pledged to isolate Kirilov’s party due to its past actions, including dismantling electronic voting systems.

Bozhankov, who previously served as a member of the Bulgarian Socialist Party, insists his decision was driven by principle. His stance: he was elected to parliament to represent the will of the people and exercise his independent judgment, even if it meant defying his own party.

"Before two years ago they told me that they needed a person with free will who could stand up for their opinions, and now they are kicking me out for exactly that (…) I don’t accept the argument that you have free will, you can express it, and even vote as you wish, as long as it doesn’t change anything," Bozhankov explained.

This defiance has placed him at odds with his own party leadership, who have demanded his resignation. Bozhankov, however, remains defiant. He has stated that he will only step down if his parliamentary group formally requests his resignation.

Adding fuel to the fire is Bozhankov’s assessment of Kirilov’s leadership. He describes Kirilov’s biography as "more than worrisome," pointing to his inability to effectively lead the National Assembly even during its first two sessions. Bozhankov further criticizes the coalition supporting Kirilov, highlighting the involvement of "pro-Russian" parties like "Revival", the party of Kostadin Kostadinov, and the controversial "There Is Such a People", who are widely seen as politically unreliable.

Bozhankov’s stance contrasts sharply with the views held by other "We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria" members. While his party was initially committed to isolating these groups from power, Bozhankov’s vote has shifted the balance.

He argued that the coalition’s willingness to work with these groups poses a significant threat to Bulgarian democracy, stating: "I won’t change my mind, I won’t allow "Revival," I’T’N, or even "MECH" to be part of the government."

The immediate future remains uncertain for Bozhankov. His fate hangs in the balance as his parliamentary group decides whether to formally request his resignation. This situation highlights the deep divisions within Bulgarian politics and raises serious questions about the stability of the current government.

2024-12-02 06:48:00


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## Bulgarian Coalition cracked: ⁣An Interview ‌with Political Analyst⁤ Dr. Sofia Angelova

**World Today News Exclusive**

**Sofia, Bulgaria** – Tensions are high in Bulgaria as Yavor Bozhankov, a ⁤member of the “We Continue the ⁢Change – ​Democratic Bulgaria” coalition, faces ‌expulsion from⁢ parliament after defying his party ‌whip. This follows a contentious vote ⁣in the National Assembly​ on ‌a controversial healthcare bill. To understand the implications of​ this political turmoil, we‍ spoke with Dr. ⁢Sofia Angelova, a leading ⁤Bulgarian political analyst and author of “Political Dynamics in Post-Communist Bulgaria.”

**World Today news:** Dr. Angelova, how significant is this move against Yavor ‍Bozhankov within the “We ⁣Continue the Change – ⁤Democratic Bulgaria” coalition?

**Dr. Angelova:** This is a major growth‍ with perhaps far-reaching consequences. Bozhankov’s defiance signals a fracture within the coalition, which is already struggling to maintain stability. The fact that his own party is moving to oust him demonstrates the severity of the disagreement and⁣ the fragility of the governing alliance.

**World Today News:** What was the key issue behind the vote that sparked this crisis?

**Dr. Angelova:** The healthcare bill, which aims to ​reform ‍the Bulgarian health insurance system, has been⁣ mired in controversy. Bozhankov’s opposition stems from concerns that the bill doesn’t adequately ⁣address​ the needs ⁣of rural communities and⁤ coudl lead to‌ disparities in access to healthcare. His stance ‌reflects ⁤a deeper ⁣ideological divide within the coalition ‌on the role of the state in providing social services.

**World Today‌ News:** Could this lead to the ⁢collapse of the coalition government?

**Dr. Angelova:** It’s⁣ certainly‍ a⁤ possibility. The coalition is already operating with a​ slim majority, and Bozhankov’s expulsion ‍could trigger further dissent⁣ within the‌ ranks. If other​ members ⁢feel emboldened to challenge party dictates, the coalition’s fragile‌ unity could crumble. This​ would ​lead⁢ to a ⁣political vacuum and potentially necessitate new elections.

**world Today News:**⁤ What are the broader implications of this political crisis for Bulgaria?

**Dr. Angelova:** This episode highlights the challenges faced by Bulgaria’s young democracy in navigating complex ‍social‌ and⁣ economic issues. The country needs strong and stable ‍governance to address pressing concerns like healthcare, economic inequality, and foreign policy.A prolonged‌ political crisis could undermine investor confidence and ⁣hinder progress on these vital fronts.

**World Today News:** What needs to‍ happen next to resolve this situation?

**Dr. Angelova:** ‌ The most⁣ immediate task is for ‍the coalition partners ‌to ⁢engage ‍in a ‌constructive dialog and seek common ground. They ⁣need to address the underlying concerns that led to this standoff. This will require compromises ⁢from all sides. Ultimately, the Bulgarian electorate needs to have‍ a clear understanding of the​ choices before them and be⁢ given the opportunity to decide on⁣ the ​future direction of ⁢the ⁢country.

**World Today News:** Thank you for your insights, Dr.Angelova.

This situation remains fluid, and World Today News‍ will continue to provide updates on this developing story.