Simeon Saxe-Coburg, leader of the conflict-torn centrist NMSP party, has vowed to continue to serve as a guarantee for the stability of the country by not quitting the ruling three-party coalition.

"NMSP entered the ruling coalition in the name of Bulgaria's accession to the European Union and with the goal to prevent a possible delay. Now we need stability so that more and more people feel the benefits of accession in their everyday life," Simeon Saxe-Coburg said in an address to the members and supporters of his party days before the New Year is ushered in.

Saxe-Coburg admitted that the past year was a difficult one for his party. According to him it was his attempt to "open" the party to its members and supporters and the real issues of the Bulgarian citizens that triggered serious internal conflicts.

The party faced calls to quit the government after a total of fifteen members of its parliamentary group left, following factional infighting. The MPs have set up a new parliamentary group, which they called "Bulgarian New Democracy".

The rift in NMSP came over the decisions of the party congress in June, when the influent "lawyers" lobby was left without any representation in the party leadership.

Saxe-Coburg vowed on Friday that the reforms in his party will continue in the name of the well-being of the Bulgarian citizens.

"The year 2008 will be year of the proactive people and the active absorption of European funds," he added.

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