Maxim Behar: The No-Confidence Vote Is Doomed – No Alternative, No Vision

Maxim Behar shares a firm stance on the upcoming no-confidence vote, the weakness of the opposition, and the urgent need for a new generation of leaders with a vision for a stable and business-driven Bulgaria.

Host:
What’s the situation with the fifth vote of no confidence? Is this initiative a foregone conclusion, or are you expecting the unexpected?

Maxim Behar:
Global politics – and Bulgarian politics as well – can surprise us any day. Just look at Macron today – he recognized Palestine, going against both the EU and, most importantly, the US. Look at what’s happening in America – with Trump, with Epstein… no one could have predicted it. So why should Bulgaria be any different? Surprises are always possible.
Still, all signs point to this vote – and the 55th after it – failing. Those supporting the current government have no interest in early elections. They want stability so that Bulgaria can move forward – not just toward the eurozone.

Host:
Would it be a problem if we end up with a caretaker government, especially since some of the people who might lead it are part of the current ruling majority?

Maxim Behar:
Any political crisis is a problem. The current majority isn’t a real majority – it’s a coalition of interests. But as citizens, we also have a stake in having a regular government. Joining the eurozone is a historic goal – more important than Schengen, even. It will transform how business is done in Bulgaria and elevate the country as a whole. I don’t believe anyone will willingly abandon that path, at least not before the end of the year.
And let’s face it – the opposition is weak, lacking both vision and leadership. They keep saying, “we’ll vote no confidence,” but no one says what happens after. There’s simply no alternative – political, economic, or even human.

Host:
What is your stance on the caretaker government as an institution?

Maxim Behar:
The caretaker government should be abolished – without question. It creates massive uncertainty. The President – whoever holds the office – should not govern the country, neither politically nor economically. That’s harmful to democracy. It may have been a compromise back in the 90s, but now it’s clear: caretaker prime ministers and ministers erode trust in parliamentary rule.
If a majority can be formed to amend the constitution and remove this institution, it would be a huge step forward. It would allow Bulgaria to finally breathe.

Host:
What about the protests – can they reshape the political landscape?

Maxim Behar:
When was the last time a protest made a real difference here? Maybe only when Peevski was absurdly appointed. But what did the 2020 protests change? Nothing. I don’t believe that any protest today can topple the government. There’s no energy, no vision, no leadership.
Of course, I support the right to protest – anyone should be free to express their opinion. But to change the government in 2025 with street chants? I don’t think so.
We have a far more important road to take – through the eurozone, through stability, through a calm business environment. Because Bulgaria’s international image is shaped by business – not by politics.

Host:
What do you make of the idea for a new political project – especially after Ahmed Dogan’s public criticism of Peevski?

Maxim Behar:
If Dogan creates a new party, it won’t be anything new. It would just be DPS 2 – same people, same ideology, but with less support. The clash between him and Peevski is obvious.
The real question is: does Bulgaria need a new political force? The answer is yes – but not that kind.
We need young, smiling people who understand business. We need leaders – not grim, nervous faces mumbling in parliament. If such people enter politics, their voice will be logical and impactful. Maybe they won’t win an election right away, but they’ll bring meaning to politics. That’s the only way to build a better-governed country.

Conclusion:
The vote of no confidence is doomed to fail – because there’s no alternative. The opposition is divided and visionless. The caretaker government is a dangerous institution that undermines democracy and must be removed. And while protests may be sincere, they won’t change the reality.
The true hope lies in stability, eurozone membership, and a new generation of leaders – young, optimistic, and business-minded.

Watch the full interview here.