Bulgaria Forms New Coalition Government After Prolonged Political Deadlock

Rosen Zhelyazkov becomes prime minister as Bulgaria seeks stability and progress on EU goals following years of political crisis.

Bulgaria's parliament approved a coalition government led by Rosen Zhelyazkov, ending months of negotiations after October's election.
The coalition includes the conservative GERB party, Socialists, a right-wing party, and a Turkish minority faction, marking a significant compromise across ideological lines.
Zhelyazkov, a GERB ally and former parliament speaker, pledged to prioritize Bulgaria's eurozone membership, judicial reforms, and economic competitiveness.
The country has faced severe political instability, with seven elections in four years following anti-corruption protests and allegations of vote-buying.
Analysts express skepticism about the coalition's durability, but it aims to address urgent issues like EU funding and economic reforms in the short term.