Bulgarian PM Boiko Borisov's resignation accepted

Bulgarian MPs have voted to accept the resignation of Prime Minister Boiko Borisov and his government.

The vote opens the way for an early election, now expected in April rather than the scheduled July.

Mr Borisov's surprise resignation followed nationwide street protests against high electricity prices and austerity measures.

On Tuesday clashes between protesters and police left at least 14 people injured.

The government's resignation was accepted in a 209-5 vote.

President Rosen Plevneliev will now try to appoint an interim cabinet, to take the country through to early elections.

A crowd of supporters chanted their approval of Mr Borisov as he left the parliament building - a stark contrast to the anger of the streets during the past 10 days, says the BBC's Nick Thorpe in Sofia.

But Bulgarian commentators largely agree that his departure deepens rather than solves the crisis, our correspondent says.

The protesters have accused the whole political class of being corrupt and inefficient, not just Mr Borisov's party.