Bulgaria still facing stalemate

The centre-right Gerb yesterday emerged from Bulgaria’s election as the largest party but it is short of coalition options, and any new government will almost certainly need backing from a nationalist party, which alarms the European Union.

Gerb, whose leader Boiko Borisov resigned from government in February during nationwide protests in the EU’s poorest country, won most votes in Sunday’s poll but not enough to gain a majority.

The second-placed Socialists said they would try to ensure it did not return to power, offering to set up a technocrat government that would also require the backing of the nationalist Attack party.

Borisov’s Gerb is mired in allegations of corruption and the outspoken leader has kept a low profile since the vote, not speaking publicly or making grandiose claims of victory.

An extended political deadlock could crimp already lacklustre economic growth – expected to be about one per cent this year – and mean further delays in reforms in areas such as employment, health and education.

“There is nothing dramatic if we cannot form a government. But for the others after us, it will be extremely hard, too,” said Ivailo Moskovski, a senior Gerb member and former minister.

Other parties were reluctant to work with Gerb, which won 30.7 per cent of votes cast on Sunday and will have first go at forming a government, according to nearly complete results.