Former Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov announced Wednesday that his center-right GERB party would nominate European Commissioner for Innovation Mariya Gabriel to be the country’s new prime minister.
Reports began circulating in Bulgarian media Tuesday night that the former MEP and two-time commissioner would be GERB’s choice to break the political deadlock which has snarled the country, after five consecutive elections failed to produce a majority winner.
Bulgaria’s centrist anti-corruption parties are expected to support Gabriel’s nomination.
Following Borissov’s announcement in Sofia’s parliament, Manfred Weber, president of the European People’s Party, said the group “warmly” welcomes Gabriel’s nomination as prime minister designate of Bulgaria.
“She has the experience and international authority to overcome the political stalemate in Sofia. Full support for our sister party GERB-Udf for putting the interests of the country first,” Weber said.
GERB came out on top in Bulgaria’s election last month but only claimed about 25 percent of the vote, meaning that party chairman Boyko Borissov has to form an uneasy coalition with the anti-corruption parties.
Gabriel has served as the commissioner for innovation, research, culture, education and youth in Ursula von der Leyen’s Commission, after holding the post of digital commissioner under former President Jean-Claude Juncker.
Jakob Hanke Vela contributed reporting.
