Gabrovsky was nominated by the coalition of the “Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria” (GERB) and “Union of Democratic Forces” (SDS) party but was not elected to the post.

A group of 113 legislators of the 48th National Assembly supported the candidacy of the practicing neurosurgeon, a corresponding member of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, and 125 voted against him after a three-hour debate.

According to the Bulgarian Constitution, the president will now have to give a mandate for Government formation to the second largest parliamentary group, the Carry on Change coalition, which will have seven days to present its choice.

According to analysts, it is almost secure that there is virtually no chance of successfully implementing this mandate.

Bulgaria held early parliamentary elections on October 2.

mh/iff/mem/amp