Politics
News on Bulgaria’s domestic and foreign policy, political parties, institutions, elections, and legislative initiatives.
Bulgaria: Full Membership in the OECD is a Key Priority
Minister Georgiev emphasized that full membership in the OECD is among Bulgaria's main foreign policy goals, defining it as a strategic choice for the country's future. A future OECD summit in Bulgaria in 2028 will highlight the country's interest in cooperation in the field of skills.
ESC and OECD Discuss Bulgaria's Progress Towards Membership and Key Reforms
The Presidency Council of the Economic and Social Council (ESC) met with OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann to discuss Bulgaria's progress towards OECD membership, key economic and social reforms, and the role of civil society. Reforms in the pension system, education, green and digital transformation, as well as industrial policy were discussed.
Ivaylo Mirchev (DB) on Yotova's veto of the Electoral Code, cameras in Bulgaria and scandals
Ivaylo Mirchev from "Yes, Bulgaria" (DB) commented to journalists on the upcoming changes to the Electoral Code, expressed concerns about voting abroad, analyzed the state of video cameras in Bulgaria and raised questions about scandals around the CPDP, cybersecurity, and appointments in the government.
Video Surveillance and Personal Data Protection: How to Preserve Privacy
The Bulgarian Chamber of Security and Protection (BCOS) clarifies the legal requirements for video surveillance for security purposes. The focus is on the balance between security and personal data protection, especially in the context of leaked video recordings from beauty salons and medical offices. BCOS emphasizes the importance of GDPR and recommends caution when using video surveillance.
Amendments to the Cybersecurity Act Adopted: New Requirements and Restrictions for Businesses
Parliament approved amendments to the Cybersecurity Act, introducing European standards for risk assessment and incident reporting, as well as restrictions on the use of risky technologies. Public and private entities are affected, and the sectors subject to control are expanding.
Radev: Limiting Voting Abroad is an Attempt to Preserve Power
Rumen Radev criticized the changes to the Electoral Code that restrict voting abroad. According to him, this is a step towards limiting democratic rights and exposes attempts to maintain ties with Bulgarians abroad. Radev calls for the protection of democracy.
Ombudswoman Velislava Delcheva: The Trampling of Human Dignity in Beauty Salons and High Electricity Bills
Ombudswoman Velislava Delcheva comments on illegal recordings in beauty salons and gynecological offices, as well as high electricity bills, calling for inspections and stricter measures.
Parliament Discusses Amendments to the Electoral Code: Restriction of Polling Stations Abroad and Other Bills
The National Assembly is today considering in second reading amendments to the Electoral Code, which provide for a restriction on the number of polling stations outside the EU. Other bills are also being discussed, including those on cybersecurity and crypto assets.
Kazakhstan Seeks Cooperation with Bulgaria in Various Fields
At a meeting at the BIA, Kazakhstan expressed interest in cooperation in key industries. The establishment of a Kazakh-Bulgarian business council is planned to stimulate trade and investment.
Adjourned National Assembly Session: What Happened and What's Next?
The National Assembly session was adjourned due to time running out. The next session will be tomorrow at 9:00 AM. Prior to that, the session was interrupted for consultations on a caretaker government.
Iliana Yotova: Elections - on the First Date After Easter
President Iliana Yotova announced the intention for elections on the first date after Easter. Important decisions and measures for the caretaker cabinet were discussed. Yotova emphasizes the responsibility of the National Assembly.
Ivaylo Mirchev: The Caretaker Government Must Guarantee Fair Elections
Ivaylo Mirchev from PP-DB emphasized the need for a strong caretaker government that ensures fair elections and prevents a repeat of the practices of the previous government. He accused the previous cabinet of serving a corruption model.
Yotova: The Goal is Fair Elections, We are Ready for a Caretaker Cabinet
President Iliana Yotova held consultations with GERB-SDS regarding the appointment of a caretaker prime minister, emphasizing fair elections. Challenges and potential candidates were discussed, with 5 agreeing to participate.
"Vazrazhdane" will not participate in the President's consultations on a caretaker Prime Minister
The Vazrazhdane party is refusing the invitation for consultations by President Yotova regarding the appointment of a caretaker Prime Minister, accusing of delaying the process and suggesting behind-the-scenes deals. They call for the swift appointment of a caretaker government and the announcement of elections.
Borislav Gutsanov on the Upcoming Election of the BSP Chairman
The outgoing Minister of Labor and Social Policy, Borislav Gutsanov, commented on the upcoming election of a new BSP chairman. He emphasized the importance of a left-wing party for Bulgaria and expressed confidence in the wisdom of the congress.