Bulgarian Prime Minister Plamen Oresharski. Photo by BGNES
Bulgaria’s ruling left-leaning coalition has once again attacked President Rosen Plevneliev over his suggestions for major changes to the country’s voting rules.
In a televised address to the nation late on Wednesday, Plevneliev proposed a referendum in which Bulgarians will have their say on whether they want to elect some of their MPs directly rather than from party lists, voting made obligatory and electronic voting allowed.
But the government strongly opposed Plevneliev’s proposal, arguing that his suggestions would be “unconstitutional” and claiming his sole aim was to serve the interests of the opposition.
Prime Minister Plamen Oresharski once again criticized the President’s referendum idea on Friday, saying the proposed questions were too vague.
“It is very important that we do not mislead the citizens, as they should make an informed decision,” Oresharski told reporters.
If approved by Parliament, which appears highly unlikely, the referendum would take place along with the European elections in May.
Oresharski’s fragile Socialist-led government has so far survived despite eight months of relentless anti-graft protests. Plevneliev has backed the demonstrations on a number of occasions.