At this stage the largest ruling party – Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB) is discussing five potential candidates to run in the forthcoming presidential elections later this year.

This was announced by deputy chairperson of GERB and chairperson of its parliamentary group Tsvetan Tsvetanov in Veliko Tarnovo on Saturday at the opening of the third political academy of the party's women's organisation.

Tsvetanov did not disclose any of the names of the potential candidates and whether the nominations are from the structures of the party.

In his words, there was no definitive decision on the nominations for president and vice president, but everyone possessing the necessary qualities and fulfilling the constitutional requirements could be considered as a potential candidate.

Tsvetanov assured that if elected the candidate of GERB will serve as president of all Bulgarians.

He also refrained from commenting whether incumbent President Rosen Plevneliev is among the discussed nominations.

Tsvetanov noted that during his term Plevneliev proved as capable of discussing topics with all nationally responsible parties and seeking consensus when taking important strategic decisions.

He did not exclude the possibility that the candidate of GERB might be supported by other parties and NGOs, which are not going to have their own nominees.

Tsvetanov was firm that the structures of GERB are in excellent condition and the party has avoided internal tensions and splits as had happened to other parties.

The parliamentary group of GERB will remain united in the forthcoming vote of no confidence targeting the government's failed healthcare policy which is being prepared by the opposition.

As regards the possibility of early general elections in May, which had been aired by members of the junior coalition partner of the Reformist Bloc (RB), Tsvetanov expressed no concerns.