The government of Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov survived a fifth vote of no confidence, this time on the topic of "Internal Security and Justice." 133 MPs from GERB-SDS, DPS–New Beginning, BSP and There is Such a People (ITN) voted against. 101 Mps from We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (PP-DB), Vazrazhdane, the Alliance for Rights and Freedoms (APS), MECH and Velichie voted in favor of the no-confidence motion. No MPs abstained.

• Parliament to vote on the fifth motion of no confidence against the Zhelyazkov cabinet on Thursday

• The fifth motion of no confidence against the cabinet will be over 'Justice and Internal Order'

The government will continue its work to maintain stability in the country", said Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov after the vote.
He also commented on today’s tensions in front of the Parliament: "Politics is about gaining trust, not spreading hatred. The place for debate is in the parliamentary hall", said Premier Zhelyazkov.

The vote  of no confidence was accompanied by protests. Before the start of the parliamentary session, MPs from "We Continue the Change" parked cars in front of the entrances to the Parliament’s parking lot, covered with photos of the arrested mayor of Varna, Blagomir Kotsev, and former Deputy Mayor of Sofia Nikola Barbutov.

"Today Peevski and Borisov will have to walk, because the protest for Blago and Nikola Barbutov is not letting them enter through the back door with all their security. It’s time they walk among the people", said former Prime Minister Kiril Petkov.
This was followed by an exchange of insults between "DPS–New Beginning" leader Delyan Peevski and PP co-chair Assen Vassilev, which continued into the plenary hall.

Later, Vazrazhdane party held an anti-government protest near the parliament building. Protesters said they would continue demonstrating until the cabinet resigns, BNR’s reporter Nikolay Hristov reported.

"The resources of PP-DB are not sufficient to allow them to represent a functional and strong enough alternative to the status quo", political scientist Ognyan Minchev said for BNR. His colleague Georgi Kiryakov added that ''the role of DPS–New Beginning in this majority and government is increasing, and the ruling coalition will increasingly depend on Delyan Peevski and his party''.

• Policeman passes away while guarding protest blockade of the parliament

  
  

Published and translated by Kostadin Atanasov

Photos: BTA; BGNES