The new Bulgarian cabinet has representatives of both the political right and left, which in the longer term may bring about the emergence of internal conflicts on policy issues, the Economist wrote in its latest issue in an analysis of the developments in Bulgaria in the second quarter of 2001. The Simeon II National Movement /SNM/ formed a coalition with the Movement for Rights and Freedoms /MRF/, and immediately appointed two representatives of the Bulgarian Socialist Party /BSP/ as cabinet ministers. The Union of Democratic Forces /UDF/ voiced its tentative short-term support, the Economist wrote. In the longer term however the SNM cabinet may become vulnerable to UDF attacks. The young economists in the cabinet, who came from Western banks and are seen as the proponents of pure capitalism, will have to work with representatives of the local capital and with conservative lawyers. A certain tension may emerge between the economy and finance ministers and the BSP ministers who most probably will press for an increase of public spending. The MRF may start exerting pressure on minority issues, regional development and tobacco industry privatisation. Internal conflicts, an efficient opposition and rising popular discontent may result in a cabinet reshuffle at a later stage, or even force new elections, the Economist wrote.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!