Bulgaria faces a tough question: will the next prime minister be a puppet or a truly independent leader? As GERB begins negotiations to implement the first mandate, finding someone acceptable to all sides becomes critical. The issue resurfaces after a prolonged parliamentary deadlock, leaving parties scrambling for solutions.
GERB leader Boyko Borisov has asked President Radev to delay the mandate until late 2024 or early 2025. GERB-SDF, Democratic Bulgaria (DB), BSP, and ITN theoretically hold enough votes to form a majority. However, they reject Borisov as prime minister, pushing GERB to propose a compromise candidate instead.
The ideal candidate must remain neutral, non-polarizing, and resistant to political influence. Figures like Bozhidar Bozhanov imagine a low-profile leader, while others suggest a banker or lawyer. Some argue a GERB-affiliated expert could work, provided they remain independent.
The search for a “party-neutral” prime minister is seen as unrealistic. Truly independent professionals are unlikely to leave successful careers for the chaos of politics. Their refusal to take political orders, while admirable, would likely disqualify them in Bulgaria’s current climate.
GERB insists on forming a stable cabinet, but pressure will come from all sides. If an agreement is reached, the next prime minister must balance competing interests and withstand political attacks to ensure stability and progress.
