The fifth vote of no confidence in the government of Boyko Borissov was rejected by parliament.

The motion of no confidence was rejected with the help of the votes of the ruling GERB party and the United Patriots. 102 MPS from the opposition Bulgarian Socialist Party and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms voted “for” the motion. 124 MPs from the ruling coalition – GERB and United Patriots – voted “against”. 11 MPs abstained.  

The opposition Bulgarian Socialist Party, BSP, submitted the motion on 16 July over corruption, amidst the daily protest taking place across the country with demands for the resignation of Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and Prosecutor General Ivan Geshev.

After the vote, GERB party MP Manoil Manev turned to the opposition with the words that the left-wing has deceived the young people protesting outside, and that it wants to destroy the country. Another GERB MP Spas Garnevski declared that the protests were “an unprecedented attempt at a revolt against the legitimate government”.

According to BSP MP Valeri Zhablyanov the tendency towards early parliamentary elections remains. “If you really want to understand the motives for the vote, and the motives of a great many of the protesters, then make a thorough political and social analysis, look deep into what the government is doing, because in a few months’ time you will find yourself on the eve of elections,” Valeri Zhablyanov said.

The protesters who are blocking traffic along Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard in front of parliament building received the news of the vote with chants “Resign!”

There is no surprise here, we all knew that this would happen. This vote of no confidence has nothing to do with our vote of no confidence. Ours will continue, protesters told the BNR.