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Comentators in Bulgaria have said that PM Boyko Borisov (L) is likely to exercise strong control over president-elect Rosen Plevneliev (R). Photo by BGNES
After Sunday's presidential and local elections in Bulgarian, ruling party GERB has a grip on all levels of power and will be closely watched by the EU, according to German MP and ex Foreign Affairs Minister Gernot Erler.
In the elections, GERB's Rosen Plevneliev won the presidential seat, and the party got the plurality of regional cities, including capital Sofia, as well as made a good overall showing in municipal authorities.
"EU politicians like an image such as that of Rosen Plevneliev, with his progressive and pro-European commitments. However the EU will be closely watching what's happening in Bulgariar from now on," said Erler for Deutsche Welle Bulgaria.
The German Social Democrat commented that after what happened in Hungary, with PM Viktor Orban's dominating power over politics, the EU will be wary for Bulgaria.
"After the bad example of Hungary, the Union has been alarmed and will be closely following how Bulgarian PM Boyko Borisov wields so much power," added the MP.
Erler said that even though Borisov's GERB doesn't have the 2/3 majority in parliament enjoyed by Orban in Hungary, the situation in Bulgaria mandates a careful approach, with the Bulgarian PM having the majority of power levers in his hands.
The German politician recalled that albeit minor, there have been significant violations during the two weeks of elections in Bulgaria, which further calls for special care.
"Elected politicians in Bulgaria must abide by rules, rather than think that their triumph unties their hands. The future of the country depends on the responsibility and good sense of those in power," concludes Erler.
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