GERB-SDS prime minister candidate Mariya Gabriel has returned to President Rumen Radev the first cabinet-forming mandate unfulfilled on the grounds that she would not allow people appointed through backroom deals to be part of the government. 

In front of the President, Gabriel pointed out that during the negotiations with the political forces in the last 48 hours, it became clear that with reason and mutual concessions, agreement will be sought with the parliamentary group of "We Continue the Change  - Democratic Bulgaria" (PP-DB) for Bulgaria to have a government with clear principles, goals and responsibilities.

Gabriel also pointed out that together with Academician Nikolay Denkov - the candidate for Prime Minister of the PP-DB and the leaders of the two formations, they have a clear view that the second cabinet-forming mandate should be national and both forces should issue a prime minister and a deputy prime minister on a rotating principle, with a legislative and governance program as a solid foundation, and very clearly stated responsibilities.

For his part, Rumen Radev thanked Maria Gabriel for her efforts and pointed out that each subsequent mandate requires even more compromises and, above all, intensive communication with the public.

• ITN withdraw their support for the cabinet with the first mandate
• Mariya Gabriel will present to President Radev the draft cabinet composition