Bulgaria's Ex Tsar Asks Calls for Unity among Political Forces

Simeon Saxe-Coburg, Bulgaria's ex Tsar (in 1943-1946) and ex Prime Minister (in 2001-2005) has issued a statement, calling on political powers in the country to act responsible in order to maintain stability amid the sensitive situation in the country.

"I call on political powers to show responsibility and patriotism in order to maintain stability," Saxe-Coburg, whose party National Movement for Stability and Prosperity was in Bulgaria's coalition governments between 2001 and 2009, says in a statement on his official website.

"Civil protests, although not particularly desired, are part of a normally functioning democracy. It is enough to look at the numerous demonstrations in Greece, Spain, Slovenia, and other European countries" the statement says.

"It is a common democratic practice for a government to resign. I believe that the government has motives that are reasonable enough and well-analyzed to take the step and we must accept and respect them," Saxe-Coburg notes.

"I appeal now, however, to all political powers to show responsibility and patriotism, to unite forces, so that stability can be maintained in the country until the democratic election of a new government which can solve the problems which led to the current situation" he says.

Bulgaria's Parliament approved Thursday the resignation of the center-right GERB government following days of massive protests against economic stagnation and low wages.