BBC-The former King of Bulgaria, Simeon II, who won last month`s elections, has struck a coalition deal with a party representing the country`s ethnic Turkish minority. The Movement for Rights and Freedoms is due to sign the deal with the Simeon II National Movement on Friday.
It will be the Turkish minority party`s first taste of power in Bulgaria`s history. Ethnic Turks make up about 10% of the country`s population of eight million. `This day will remain in the country`s new history`, said MRF leader Ahmed Dogan. `Dialogue, tolerance and a new political style create great opportunities for Bulgaria`. Simeon, who is to become prime minister, said it was important for Bulgaria to have a broad coalition. His party holds 120 seats in the 240-member parliament. Joining forces with the MRF`s 21 seats gives him the majority he needs to govern. The centre-right Union of Democratic Forces has 51 seats, and the Socialist Party 48. Simeon`s first attempt at forming a coalition was with the UDF, but they refused.
He has set out his main priorities as nurturing economic growth and improving living standards.
Tax cuts, a balanced budget and zero tolerance of corruption and crime have all been promised as part of an 800-day action programme. He also wants to steer Bulgaria into membership of the European Union and NATO.

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