Politics
News on Bulgaria’s domestic and foreign policy, political parties, institutions, elections, and legislative initiatives.
Kostadin Kostadinov Calls on APS to Return the Mandate: Election Delay?
Kostadin Kostadinov from „Vazrazhdane“ called on the „Alliance for Rights and Freedoms“ (APS) to return the third mandate. He expressed concerns about a delay in the elections, hinting at a potential agreement with President Rumen Radev. Kostadinov stressed the need for early elections and 100% machine voting.
Tomislav Donchev: Electoral technology should not replace political debate
The outgoing Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev commented on the issue of purchasing new electoral devices, emphasizing the role of logistical support from the Council of Ministers and highlighting the need to comply with the law. He also notes budget constraints.
The Three Candidates for European Prosecutor from Bulgaria
The Ministry of Justice announced the three nominees for European Prosecutor from Bulgaria: Dimitar Belichev, Mihaela Raydovska, and Plamen Petkov. They were selected by a special commission after a public hearing of six candidates. The final decision rests with the EU.
Legal Committee Discusses Amendments to the Electoral Code: Machine Voting and Debates Before Elections
The Legal Committee is discussing changes to the Electoral Code, focusing on machine voting, paper ballots, and potential legislative changes before the elections. Members of parliament and representatives of the bar council express different opinions.
Radostin Vasilev: Awarding the Third Mandate to APS is a Negative Sign from the President
Radostin Vasilev from MECH comments on the awarding of the third mandate to APS, defining it as a negative sign and criticizing the party's role in the previous government. According to him, APS has no electoral weight and has caused irreparable damage to the state.
President to Assign Third Mandate to Form a Government
President Rumen Radev will assign the third mandate to form a government to the parliamentary group of "Alliance for Rights and Freedoms". The second mandate was returned unfulfilled by PP-DB, and the first by GERB-SDS.
Parliament Reduced Student Loan Interest Rates and Eased Conditions
Reduction of interest rates on student loans from 7% to 3% and new benefits for students. The state will cover loans upon the birth of a second child. The proposers foresee a budget of 100,000 leva.
Kiselova: Changes in Electoral Legislation Should Increase Trust
Natalia Kiselova (BSP) commented on the changes in electoral legislation and the need to increase trust. Issues of machine voting, scanning devices, and citizen registration were discussed.
Assen Vassilev: We Must Protect the Vote in the Elections
The chairman of "We Continue the Change" Assen Vassilev called for fair elections and 100% machine counting of the results, emphasizing the need to control the vote and warning about potential manipulations.
Political Forces Prepare for Early Elections and Discuss Priorities
The deputies opened the new plenary session, with the focus on discussing the upcoming early elections and the priorities of the different parliamentary groups. The main topics were the adoption of the euro, changes to the Electoral Code, and visions for the future of Bulgaria.
The Council of Ministers appointed new consuls general in Niš and Bitola
The caretaker Council of Ministers appointed Dimitar Ivanov as Consul General in Niš and Petar Petrov in Bitola. They will be responsible for consular services, relations with local authorities, and support for Bulgarian communities.
Caretaker Government Discusses Important Issues: Railway Line, Annual Report and Others
The caretaker ministers, led by Rosen Zhelyazkov, will consider 22 points, including projects for the Vidin-Sofia railway line, energy projects and a national security report.
Public Hearing for European Prosecutor: 7 Candidates Compete for the Position
The Supreme Judicial Council held a public hearing for 7 candidates for the European Prosecutor from Bulgaria. The commission will select three who will be proposed to the Council of the EU.
Bozhidar Bozhakov: We Propose 100% Machine Voting and a Protest for Fair Elections
The chairman of "Yes, Bulgaria", Bozhidar Bozhakov, announced that the party is proposing 100% machine voting in the elections. He commented on the upcoming changes to the Electoral Code and stated that the current majority may try to introduce optical scanners, which is a tactical move to preserve schemes for vote buying. Therefore, a protest for fair elections is planned.
ITN: We Want Machine Voting with Scanning Devices and Changes to the Electoral Code
Stanislav Balabanov from ITN announced the intention to introduce scanning devices for machine voting and changes to the Electoral Code. He expects support from all those who support machine voting, as well as the removal of "dead souls" from the electoral rolls. The party is also ready for a third mandate to form a government, but is more likely to return it.