Bulgaria’s Parliament Elects Rosen Zhelyazkov as Prime Minister, Approves New Coalition Government
in a historic vote on January 16, 2025, Bulgaria’s National Assembly elected Rosen Zhelyazkov as the country’s new Prime Minister, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s political landscape. the vote, which saw 125 lawmakers in favor and 114 against, solidified Zhelyazkov’s position as the leader of a coalition government aimed at addressing Bulgaria’s pressing challenges.
The newly formed “Zhelyazkov Cabinet” also received parliamentary approval, with the same margin of votes—125 in favor and 114 against. The structure of the Council of Ministers was confirmed, and the newly appointed ministers were sworn in during a ceremony that included the playing of the anthems of the Republic of Bulgaria and Europe.
A New Chapter for Bulgaria
In his inaugural speech from the parliamentary rostrum, Zhelyazkov expressed gratitude to his coalition partners, emphasizing the importance of unity in a time of crisis. “Thanks to the coalition partners, with whom we were able to reach an agreement in a difficult period, putting aside our ideological and political differences,” he stated. The Democracy, Rights and freedoms (DPS) party notably pledged its support for the new government.
Zhelyazkov outlined his vision for Bulgaria, highlighting the need for policies that uphold the rule of law, security, and social rights. “Bulgaria needs a regular government with policies that support the rule of law, security, protection, and social rights of citizens, because the country is in a crisis of confidence,” he declared.
Key Priorities for the Zhelyazkov Government
The Prime Minister identified several critical priorities for his administration, including:
- increasing the quality of life for Bulgarian citizens.
- guaranteeing the democratic legal order and protecting parliamentary democracy.
- Ensuring lasting public finances and striving for a balanced budget.
- advancing Bulgaria’s efforts to join the Eurozone.
- Realizing investments under the PVA (Plan for Recovery and Resilience).
Zhelyazkov also stressed the importance of addressing the “highly intricate situation related to wars and crises,” calling for a “convincing institutional response” to restore public trust.
A Divided Parliament
The vote reflected the deep divisions within Bulgaria’s parliament, with 125 lawmakers supporting the new government and 114 opposing it. The coalition government,led by zhelyazkov’s GERB-UDF party,includes support from the Bulgarian Socialist Party – United Left and othre allies.
| Key Details of the Zhelyazkov government |
|———————————————-|
| Prime Minister: Rosen Zhelyazkov |
| Votes For: 125 |
| Votes Against: 114 |
| Abstentions: 0 |
| Coalition Partners: GERB-UDF, DPS, BSP |
| Main Priorities: Rule of law, Eurozone membership, social rights |
A call for unity and Progress
As bulgaria navigates a period of uncertainty, Zhelyazkov’s leadership represents a renewed effort to foster stability and progress. His emphasis on equality before the law, freedom, and pluralism underscores the government’s commitment to democratic values.
The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but the Zhelyazkov government’s focus on economic stability, social rights, and institutional reform offers a glimmer of hope for a brighter future.
For more details on the election and the new government, visit the official parliamentary website here.
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