Bulgaria’s parliament has approved a new government led by Rosen Zhelyazkov, concluding months of negotiations following the October snap election. Zhelyazkov committed to strengthening the rule of law, enhancing economic stability, and advancing eurozone accession, underscoring the need

Bulgaria’s parliament has approved a new cabinet led by Rosen Zhelyazkov, ending months of political negotiations following the October snap election, the country’s seventh in four years.

Zhelyazkov, a former parliament speaker, was nominated by the centre-right GERB-SDS group, which won the most seats but faced prolonged coalition talks before securing the mandate from President Rumen Radev. His government was confirmed on Thursday, with 125 out of 240 lawmakers voting in favour.

Bulgaria has struggled with political instability since 2020, when anti-graft protests led to the fall of a GERB-led coalition. As the EU’s poorest member state, it requires stable governance to advance economic reforms, absorb EU funds, and progress towards eurozone membership, which has been delayed due to missed inflation targets.

In his address to parliament, Zhelyazkov stressed the need for rule of law, economic competitiveness, security, and social protections. He pledged to accelerate eurozone accession, a key policy priority for the new government.

As a NATO member, Bulgaria also faces external security challenges, making political stability crucial for both its domestic and international commitments.

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