Debates on the no confidence motion, put before Parliament by the opposition on grounds of "disintegration of state policy in the field of education", were launched at an extraordinary sitting of the National Assembly Monday, BTA reports.

Today is the 21st day of the teachers' effective strike, demanding 100 per cent increase of salaries. According to the opposition, education is not a priority of this government in spite of the numerous promises for more funds, and the highly centralized education system maintained purposefully by the three-party coalition, blocks the independence and development of schools.

Voting on the motion has been scheduled for Tuesday and will be considered successful if more than half of the MPs cast their vote. If it is rejected a new no confidence motion on the same grounds may not be tabled within the next six months. This is the third no confidence motion against the government of Sergei Stanishev, elected in the summer of 2005.