Politics
News on Bulgaria’s domestic and foreign policy, political parties, institutions, elections, and legislative initiatives.
Boyko Borisov Re-elected as GERB Chairman Unanimously
The National Assembly of GERB re-elected Boyko Borisov as chairman with 983 votes in favor. Tomislav Donchev and Daniel Mitov were also re-elected as deputies.
Over 37,000 Bulgarians Want to Vote Abroad in the April 19 Elections
More than 37,000 Bulgarian citizens from 66 countries have applied to vote outside the country in the upcoming parliamentary elections on April 19. Data from the Central Election Commission shows an increase in those wishing to vote compared to previous elections.
Bulgarian Military Personnel from NATO Mission in Iraq Returned
Seven Bulgarian military personnel, participants in the non-combat NATO mission in Iraq, have returned to Bulgaria. The temporary adjustment of the mission's deployment was undertaken due to the escalation of the conflict in the Persian Gulf.
Ministry of Interior: Vote Buying - Methods and Amounts Before Elections
Minister Dechev commented on vote buying in Burgas. Various methods have been discovered and proceedings have been initiated in Botevgrad. Lists with names and large sums in euros have been found.
Bulgaria Gets Green Light from OECD on Anti-Corruption Efforts: Ready for Membership?
Bulgaria received a positive assessment from the OECD in the field of anti-corruption, moving closer to membership. The country has implemented key recommendations, but work remains in two key areas subject to monitoring.
Traycho Traykov: The National Assembly Crossed Out Millions of Euros for Energy
The acting Minister of Energy commented on the Parliament's decision regarding BEH and the high electricity bills, emphasizing the importance of responsibility in decision-making and the need for transparency.
Parliament Bans Energy Minister's Actions on BEH Changes
The National Assembly has prohibited the Minister of Energy from taking action to change the structure of the Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH). The decision was adopted unanimously with 132 votes.
Radev Presents the Priorities of “Progressive Bulgaria”: Fight Against Oligarchy and Economic Development
Rumen Radev and “Progressive Bulgaria” presented their program, focused on dismantling the oligarchic model, accelerated economic development, and reforms in key institutions. Radev emphasized the need for a 2/3 majority in the National Assembly, a change of the Supreme Judicial Council, and the election of a new chief prosecutor.
Lobbying Law Passed: What are the New Rules for Interest Representation?
The National Assembly has passed a law on transparency in interest representation. The law introduces a lobbyist register, regulates meetings, and provides for penalties for violators. The goal is to shed light on the processes of interaction with public authorities and to fulfill commitments under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). There is criticism related to the distinction between lobbying and advocacy for a public cause.
New Platform Visualizes Municipal Investment Projects: Transparency and Control
The Ministry of Regional Development presented a platform that visualizes the progress of projects under the municipal investment program. The platform provides transparency, interactivity, and a machine-readable format for analysis. The total funds requested for 2024-2025 exceed 1.198 billion euros, and the shortfall is around 100 million euros.
CEC Ignored EU Regulation on Party Advertising: Kostadinov Accused of Violating the Rules
Kostadin Kostadinov from "Vazrazhdane" criticized the CEC's decision not to apply the EC regulation on the financing of pre-election advertising. According to him, this could lead to sanctions for companies and contradicts European rules.
Commission Adopts Amendments to the Penal Code: Stricter Punishments for Child Abuse and Waste
The parliamentary committee on constitutional and legal affairs has adopted amendments to the Penal Code, including increased penalties for sexual offenses against children, criminalization of illegal waste disposal, and changes to the lobbying law.
Borisov: Coalitions are formed after elections, the world is at war
Boyko Borisov commented on current topics from Brussels, where he attended the EPP anniversary. He stated that coalitions are formed after elections and commented on the war and fuel prices.
Deadline for Changes in Candidate Lists for MPs Expires Today
Today is the last day for changes in the candidate lists for the early parliamentary elections on April 19. The Central Election Commission (CEC) drew the numbers of the parties and coalitions, and the election campaign begins at midnight. A total of 24 formations will participate in the elections.
CEC Draws Lots for Ballot Numbers for the April 19 Elections
The CEC determined the order of parties and coalitions on the ballots for the early elections on April 19 through a drawing of lots. A total of 24 formations are participating in the vote.