Bulgaria's Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Tsvetan Tsvetanov, announced that Economy and Energy Minister, Traicho Traikov, has resigned for personal reasons.

Tsvetanov spoke Friday morning in an interview for the largest, private TV channel bTV, directly contradicting his boss, PM, Boyko Borisov, who at the same time was giving an interview for the State TV BNT. Borisov told the host that Traikov had to go over the fiasco of the Bulgarian business forum in Doha, which was not attended by even one single Qatari businessman, saying it had become "the icing on the cake."

To a question if the PM had asked the Minister to leave, Tsvetanov said that it has been a "mutual process," stressing that any member of the cabinet has a "yellow card" from Borisov.

"When there is tension in any sector, it goes to the PM. Such reshuffles are normal in democratic countries," said he.

According to the Interior Minister, the failed business forum in Doha had not been the reason for Traikov's ousting, but he declined to state directly what had been the exact one. He noted that all members of the cabinet were working under huge stress, adding that nevertheless, the PM always listened to their opinions, even if they contradicted his own.

Tsvetanov did, however, confirm Borisov's words that other resignation – of Health Minister, Stefan Konstantinov, was submitted as early as March 13, while Traikov has given his on March 15, upon returning from Qatar.

Konstantinov and Traikov resignations were approved Thursday evening by the Executive Committee of the ruling Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria party, GERB.