SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) Bulgaria's Socialist-backed government has survived its first no-confidence vote called for by the opposition over its investment policies.
The 240-member parliament on Wednesday rejected the motion in a 111-86 vote with 20 abstentions. The remaining 23 lawmakers were absent.
During its first four months in power, the government of Prime Minister Plamen Oresharski has faced street protests sparked by a controversial political appointment seen as part of the government's dependence on shady business interests.
The political bickering in Parliament, which echoes the political division in the Balkan country, has added to the woes of the ailing economy and scared off potential investors. According to Bulgaria's central bank, the foreign direct investment in the first eight months of 2013 is 33 percent lower than in the same period last year.
