Bulgarian parliament has granted approval to a coalition government led by Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov, marking the fifth government to assume power in just two years.

The coalition, formed by the center-right GERB and Continue the Change/Democratic Bulgaria (PP-DB) parties, successfully garnered support from the parliament's two largest political groups.

The approval process involved three separate votes, with the first confirming Denkov as the prime minister, the second establishing the composition of the cabinet, and the third nominally approving each member of the cabinet. Last week, the GERB-PP-DB coalition announced their agreement on the government's formation.

Under the terms of the agreement, Nikolay Denkov from the PP-DB will serve as the prime minister for the initial nine-month period. Afterward, Maria Gabriel from GERB will assume the position while initially taking on the roles of deputy prime minister and foreign minister.

With the support of 132 lawmakers, including members from the PP-DB coalition, all but one from GERB, and two MPs from DPS, the government secured its approval, while 69 representatives voted against it.

The formation of the cabinet follows a lengthy negotiation process that lasted over two months after the fifth consecutive parliamentary elections held on April 2. Despite GERB, led by former Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, emerging as the largest party, it failed to gather sufficient support to form a government on its own.

The coalition government has outlined its priorities in the coalition agreement, focusing on a pro-European Union agenda. Key objectives include gaining membership in the Schengen passport-free area, joining the euro monetary union, and combatting Russian influence within Bulgaria's security sector.

With the establishment of the new government, Bulgaria aims to bring stability and work towards the realization of its goals under the leadership of Prime Minister Denkov. (ILKHA)