We witness concrete results of the majority’s efforts within the 43^rd parliament, the GERB representatives assured the president during the final of a series of meetings within the month of political consultations, initiated by the head of state. The reform in the Security sector will be the accent for the largest parliamentary group. Rosen Plevneliev and the board of GERB share the common stance that any changes in the Election Code shouldn’t happen at the last moment and should be carefully prepared.

The support for the national poll on a change in the election rules, proposed by the president for the autumn, has been declared once again. The socialists have stated their position on the EUR 8 bln. debt contract signed by the cabinet, claiming that it creates the risk of a financial destabilization. They also think that the effect from the sanctions against Russia carries risks. The socialists have called on for compensation opportunities for the affected Bulgarian enterprises. The Movement for Rights and Freedoms’ representatives have declared during their meeting with President Plevneliev their firm support for Bulgaria’s Euro-Atlantic future, pointing out that the formal EU and NATO membership should turn into a real one, felt by the citizens. They have voiced to the head of state their reserves that the current governing will be one of reforms due to the unstable formula of governing itself. The reforms in the Security and Justice sectors are the key to the changes in all sectors of the Bulgarian state. That has been the common stance of the president and the heads of the Reformist Bloc during their meeting. The implementation of an active registration of voters for the forthcoming local elections has been discussed as a way for reduction of purchased and corporate vote. The Patriotic Front’s representatives have insisted before the head of state the mandatory vote to be introduced as early as this autumn through the respective legislative changes. The Bulgarian Democratic Center’s representatives have proposed to the president to initiate a roundtable on referendums and the legislation concerned. The Alternative for Bulgarian Revival has used its time to propose an expansion of presidential credentials via a change in the Constitution. According to the party, the president’s ability to initiate referendums should be strengthened.

The nationalist Ataka party has refused to take part in the consultations.

On Friday the president discussed with PM Boyko Borissov the government’s priorities and its readiness to implement the key reforms in 2015. The head of state underlined that the implementation of the Updated strategy for continuance of the reform in the judicial system was a key factor for any progress in the other sectors. The premier outlined what had been achieved in the Energy sector’s reform. Borissov stated that four draft bills would be adopted over the forthcoming days, implementing the political consensus reached at the completing of Security sector reform. The premier has reminded the engagement on the proposal of a change in the retirement system’s model by the end of March. A common stance on a maximum acceleration of projects with European funding within the frameworks of the 2007 – 2013 ending programming period has been expressed and also for a strong start of the new programming period by 2020.