Politics
News on Bulgaria’s domestic and foreign policy, political parties, institutions, elections, and legislative initiatives.
APS: The Political Year Marked by a Demand for Change and Challenges for Bulgaria
In a declaration from the parliamentary rostrum, APS assessed the political year, highlighting public discontent, the need for a new government, and the challenges facing Bulgaria in the context of European integration and the war in Ukraine.
Ivelin Mihaylov of "Velichie": Early Elections in March-April, Machine Voting with a Note, and Citizen Oversight in Election Commissions
The leader of "Velichie", Ivelin Mihaylov, expressed a position in favor of early parliamentary elections in March-April. He commented on machine voting, the Electoral Code, and the role of small parties in the media.
PP-DB Introduce Bill for 100% Machine Voting: What Changes are Planned for the Electoral Code
PP-DB propose 100% machine voting in the upcoming elections. The bill aims to increase transparency, limit manipulation, and facilitate the electoral process.
Protests in Varna and Ruse: Demands for Fair Elections, Machine Voting, and Saraphov's Resignation
People in Varna and Ruse took to the streets to protest, demanding fair elections, machine voting, and reforms in the judiciary. The protesters insisted on the removal of acting Prosecutor General Borislav Saraphov and chanted against corruption.
Radev Meets with "Velichie": Final Consultation Before Government Mandate
President Rumen Radev holds the final consultation with "Velichie" before the constitutional procedure for awarding a mandate to form a government. The meetings are part of a series of talks with all parliamentary groups.
Imprisonment of up to 5 years for providing social services without a license
The National Assembly adopted amendments to the Penal Code, providing for imprisonment of up to 5 years for providing residential social care services without a license after an administrative penalty. Stricter penalties are introduced for committing the act by a group, with a document with false content, or for the purpose of financial gain.
Parliament approved on second reading amendments to the Family Code for shared parenting
The National Assembly adopted on second reading amendments to the Family Code, which allow the court to rule on the shared exercise of parental rights, while parallel protests "for" and "against" the changes took place in front of the parliament.
Protests in Sofia and Burgas: Dissatisfaction with the 2026 Budget and Demands for Changes
National protests in Sofia and Burgas against the 2026 budget, demands for machine voting, and the removal of the Prosecutor General. The organizers are PPDB and the "Justice for Everyone" Initiative.
Radev Begins Cabinet Consultations with APS and MECH in the 51st National Assembly
President Rumen Radev is holding consultations with political forces to form a new cabinet in the 51st National Assembly. The meetings started with APS and will continue with MECH, with the main issues being the future of the parliament and possible changes to the Electoral Code.
Flexible Working Hours for Parents of Children Under 12: Amendments to the Labour Code on Second Reading
Parliament is discussing on second reading amendments to the Labour Code, which allow for flexible working hours for parents of children under 12 throughout the year. Other bills are also on the agenda.
Extension Law for 2026 Adopted: Salary Indexation and Budget Changes
The Parliament adopted in second reading an extension law for 2026, which regulates the collection of revenues and expenses until the adoption of the regular budget. It includes salary indexation in the budgetary sector, changes in laws on social services, local taxes and fees, as well as exemption from capital gains tax on growth markets.
Private Hospitals and Public Procurement: The Bulgarian Hospital Association Against Changes to the Law
The Bulgarian Hospital Association (BHA) opposes the inclusion of private medical institutions within the scope of the Public Procurement Law. They claim that this contradicts the legal framework and will lead to negative consequences for the healthcare system, including delays in the supply of medications. The BHA proposes alternative measures for transparency.
Parliament Passes Extension Law for the 2026 Budget on First Reading
Parliament passed the extension law for the budget on first reading. The law is supported by GERB-SDS, PP-DB, DPS, ITN, ABV and two independent MPs. "Vazrazhdane" voted "against", BSP abstained, and "Velichie" did not participate in the vote.
The First F-16 Block 70s for Bulgaria and Slovakia Have Been Produced
Lockheed Martin announced the completion of production of the first batch of F-16 Block 70s for Bulgaria and Slovakia. The aircraft were manufactured in Greenville and will enhance national defense and NATO interoperability.
Bulgaria Calls for the Election of a Worthy UN Secretary-General
Ambassador Gergana Karadjova represented Bulgaria in the UN debate on leadership for peace. She emphasized the importance of high integrity and vision in candidates for Secretary-General and encouraged the nominations of women.