In politically unstable Bulgaria, new elections are likely to be held in October for the fourth time in a year and a half. The Socialist Party on Wednesday admitted the failure of its attempt to form a minority government.
After just six months in office, pro-European Prime Minister Kiril Petkov was overthrown by a vote of no confidence in parliament in June. He did not get a majority afterwards.
Petkov had started with a promise to fight rampant corruption in the poorest EU member state under his conservative predecessor Boyko Borissov. He blamed Borisov, a well-known oligarch, and the Russian ambassador in Sofia for his dismissal.
His governing coalition was in crisis over disagreements over military aid to Ukraine and reduced gas supplies from Russia.
