Politics
News on Bulgaria’s domestic and foreign policy, political parties, institutions, elections, and legislative initiatives.
Budget 2026 Approved on First Reading: Key Parameters and Comments
The Legal Affairs Committee approved the draft budget for 2026, focusing on personnel expenses and indexations. Members of Parliament express criticism regarding the lack of reforms and the absence of representatives from the judiciary.
Trump is the Most Influential Person in Europe for 2026, According to Politico
Donald Trump tops Politico's ranking of the most influential people in Europe for 2026, influencing the continent's politics, particularly in defense and security. The ranking also includes European leaders such as Mette Frederiksen, Putin, and others.
Parliamentary Dispute: PP-DB Object to Budget Review Without Committees
PP-DB triggered a dispute in parliament, objecting to the voting on the budgets of the Social Security Fund (DОО) and the National Health Insurance Fund (NZOK) without prior discussion in the relevant committees. The conflict highlights procedural issues and the tension surrounding the budgetary process.
MPs Approve 2026 Social Security Budget: Key Changes and Reactions
The draft budget for the 2026 Social Security budget was approved on first reading with the support of GERB-SDS, DPS, BSP, ITN and independent MPs. Key highlights: increase in childcare allowance and adherence to the Swiss rule for pensions. The opposition criticizes.
Protests for Resignation: Ivelin Mihaylov from "Velichie" Comments on Tension and Expectations
Ivelin Mihaylov from "Velichie" comments on the protests for the government's resignation, expects an escalation of tension and a possible reshuffling of political forces.
President Radev: People Voted No Confidence in the Cabinet
President Rumen Radev stated that citizens voted no confidence in the cabinet, voting in protests across Bulgaria and Europe, urging MPs to choose between the "dignity of the free vote" and the "shame of dependencies".
Rosen Zhelyazkov: Democracy Requires Respect for Different Opinions
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov called for tolerance and respect for the rights of all, discussing the vote of no confidence.
No-Confidence Vote Against the “Zhelyazkov” Cabinet: Debates, Positions, and Expectations
The National Assembly will vote on a motion of no confidence in the government of Rosen Zhelyazkov. The debates revealed a sharp division between the ruling parties and the opposition on issues of economic policy, investments, debt, and the country's development. The opposition criticizes the government for failure in the economy, while the ruling parties reject the accusations, highlighting positive economic indicators.
Permanent ban on sturgeon fishing in Bulgaria from 2026.
From January 1, 2026, an indefinite ban on the catch of sturgeon species in the Bulgarian section of the Danube and Black Sea will come into effect. The ban, issued by the Ministry of Environment and Water of Bulgaria, aims to protect the endangered fish and will support scientific projects for their recovery.
Radev: Oligarchs are organizing provocations and abusing power
President Rumen Radev commented on the protests, accusing oligarchs of provocations, abuse of power, and attempts at ethnic division. He called on law enforcement officers not to tarnish their honor and promised to take political action.
Assen Vassilev on the new draft budget: The same philosophy as the withdrawn one, reduces funding for health and education
Assen Vassilev from PP-DB commented on the draft budget for 2026, noting a decrease in funds for healthcare, education, sports and culture, along with an increase in social security contributions. According to him, this is a course towards increasing taxes and redistribution, at the expense of investments in key areas.
Healthcare Professionals' Protests from December 10th: Reasons, Demands, and Expectations
Starting December 10th, healthcare professionals are initiating protests due to unmet demands for increased salaries and funding for healthcare. The chairwoman of BAPZG, Diana Georgieva, expresses disappointment and expectations for fair compensation.
Lack of Quorum: Labor and Social Policy Committee Fails to Convene Due to 2026 Budget
The Labor and Social Policy Committee was unable to hold a meeting due to a lack of quorum to discuss the draft budgets for 2026. MPs were absent or refused to register, but the chairman assured that this does not jeopardize the process. The debates will continue in the Budget and Finance Committee.
The Council of Ministers approved the draft budget for 2026 and updated the fiscal forecast
The government adopted the draft law on the state budget for 2026, in line with the introduction of the euro and the medium-term fiscal-structural plan 2025–2028, and confirmed a deficit of up to 3% of GDP and debt growth.
Tsvetelina Penkova: The new EU financial framework defines the future of Europe
MEP Tsvetelina Penkova discussed the new multiannual financial framework of the EU, emphasizing the importance of regional policy and energy for Bulgaria and Europe.