Page 49 - bne_October 2018_20181001

bne October 2018 Southeast Europe I 49
A day later, on September 3, he decided to give a last chance to the coalition fol- lowing a meeting of the United Patriots, the far-right junior coalition partner, which, apart from NFSB, comprises the Bulgarian National Movement (VMRO) and Ataka.
The United Patriots are very shaky and Simeonov has already said that most likely the rightwing union will not survive until the next election.
As well as his criticisms of the resigna- tions, Simeonov is also involved in
a long-running and acrimonious dispute with Tourism Minister Nikolina Angel-
but an escape from responsibility. The problem in the state is not personal but systematic. Authoritarianism is not the future of Bulgaria,” Radev said in a statement on September 3.
There has been speculation Bulgaria could have to hold early elections, but Radev added that a snap poll “will not give a new perspective”.
To add to the already serious crisis,
a poll carried out by Alpha Research showed that although nearly two-thirds of Bulgarians approve of the resigna- tions, they have not increased the very low support for the government. While
“The resignations are no more a solution but an escape from responsibility”
kova of GERB over various buildings at seaside resorts that Simeonov claims were built illegally. Relations have deterio- rated to such an extent that Simeonov referred Angelkova to the prosecution over the issue, although prosecutors refused to investigate his fellow cabinet minister.
Meanwhile, Bulgaria’s President Rumen Radev also criticised Borissov’s move, calling it a sign of weakness.
“The resignations are no more a solution
19% of those who approve the resig- nations say the move lowered their support for the government and 12% say they would trust Borissov’s cabinet more after this move, the majority of people said this has not affected their perception in any way. The latter was seen as a signal that the replacement of ministers as a tool used by Borissov is not working in his favour anymore. More than 50% of respondents also demanded to see those responsible
for the bus crash punished.
COUNTRY REPORTS
Check out IntelliNews
Pro’s Country Reports covering the 30 countries in Central & Eastern Europe/Commonwealth of Independent States.
A monthly round up of the most important economic, finance, business and political events, the reports are aimed at busy professional investors and companies that need to keep on top of the story.
To subscribe to the reports delivered by email get in touch with our sales staff for a trial.
T. +44 203 633 2008
E. sales@intellinews.com
Or go to bne.eu/welcome to see samples of this and other products.
Find more Southeast Europe content at www.bne.eu/southeast-europe
Selected headlines from past month:
· Crisis-stricken Turkey getting a grip on its financial turmoil? Markets are not yet buying it
· US defence secretary accuses Russia of meddling in Macedonian referendum
· Journalists investigating top-level corruption case arrested in Bulgaria
· Big hike ends debate over Turkish central bank’s independence: finance minister
www.bne.eu