New government will not work with Peevski, says GERB leader Boyko Borissov

GERB leader Boyko Borissov predicted a long political life for the Zhelyazkov cabinet. Speaking to journalists at the National Assembly after almost a month of silence, Borissov stressed that the the best-prepared experts from GERB had entered the government and said that he was ready to help the cabinet.

"We will not work with Delyan Peevski and we have proven it," Borissov said in response to accusations by the We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (PP-DB) that there were ministers in the cabinet who were influenced by Delyan Peevski, a controversial figure in Bulgarian politics who has been linked to allegations of corruption and undue influence. Borissov denied the claims, saying that GERB had "distanced itself from Peevski and remains open to cooperation with the PP-DB".

Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Rossen Zhelyazkov on his election as the country's prime minister, saying: "I look forward to working for a prosperous Bulgaria in a strong and united Europe... I appreciate your support for our courageous neighbour Ukraine," von der Leyen wrote.