Bulgarian election runner-up rules out coalition with first-placed GERB party

FILE PHOTO: Kiril Petkov, leader of "We Continue the Change" (PP) speaks during an election rally as he stands next to leader Assen Vassilev, ahead of October 2 snap elections, in Sofia, Bulgaria, September 30, 2022. REUTERS/Spasiyana Sergieva/File Photo

SOFIA (Reuters) - The runner-up in Bulgaria's parliamentary elections will not form a coalition with the winning GERB party, the leader of We Continue the Change (PP) said on Tuesday, signalling a likely continuation of the country's political deadlock.

The European Union member held its fifth parliamentary election in two years on Sunday, but distrust between the pro-Western reformist party PP and GERB means another temporary cabinet or another vote are the most likely due to the difficulties of forming a coalition with a majority, according to analysts.