Coalition talks
July 6, 2009
Bulgaria's next prime minister is expected to be Sofia mayor and former bodyguard Boiko Borisov, who has been nicknamed 'Batman' for his tough talk on the country's endemic corruption.
Borisov, whose Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria party (GERB) won just under half of the 240 seats up for grabs in Sunday's elections, says he wants to form a coalition that will prioritise the fight against corruption and boost the ailing economy.
GERB is widely expected to enter negotiations with the Blue Coalition, a group of rightist parties that collectively picked up 16 seats.
‘Batman' Borisov has also pledged to work towards the eradication of ethnic tensions in Bulgaria.
"We want equality for Christians and Muslims and all ethnic groups living in Bulgaria," he said, adding that "anyone who raises the question of Bulgaria's ethnic map is working against democracy and the Bulgarian citizens."
Improving European relations
Besides dealing with pressing domestic issues, the incoming premier has plenty of work to do in improving strained relations with the European Union.
Last year the EU froze 500 million euros ($700 million) in aid for the Balkan nation amid concerns over rampant corruption.
Although the European Commission, the EU's executive arm, has since granted Sofia 115 million euros for a highway project and technical assistance, the commissioner for regional policy, Danuta Hubner, says Bulgaria still has to a lot of work to do before it can access the remaining aid funds.
"This decision [to lift the suspension] is a strong incentive for Bulgaria to strengthen its efforts in all areas where funds are still suspended. We need a future system that protects EU funding from any improper use."
Analysts say the new government must also quickly tackle economic policy issues to attract investors, many of whom fled this year, in part because of the global financial crisis.
Author: Stefan Bos/tkw
Editor: Chuck Penfold