Domestic policy
News on Bulgaria’s internal political processes — government, parties, legislation, institutions, and public debates.
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.
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.
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.
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Assen Vassilev on the new draft budget: The same philosophy as the withdrawn one, reduces funding for health and education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.
Atanas Zafirov: The European budget must be a fight for social justice
Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov speaks about the need for social justice in the new European budget, concerns about reducing cohesion funds, and the need for strong regions.
Iliana Iotova: The Vote of No Confidence is Different, with Support from Citizens
Vice President Iliana Iotova commented on the upcoming vote of no confidence, noting that it differs from previous ones due to the support of citizens. She participated in a discussion on the European budget.
NCTS Discusses Budgets for 2026: Health Insurance Fund, Social Security, and State Budget in Focus
The National Council for Tripartite Cooperation (NCTS) will discuss the budgets of the NHIF, the Social Security Fund, and the state budget for 2026. The discussions come after an agreement was reached between the government, trade unions, and employers on the main parameters. A new draft has been published following the withdrawal of the previous ones.
Zafirov: There's No Reason to Reconsider Our Participation in Governance
Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov stated that the BSP will remain in the government, as social benefits are protected in the new draft budget. He also commented on the party's readiness for early elections.
No Confidence Vote Against the Government: PP-DB and Other Parties Take Action
Continuing the Change-Democratic Bulgaria have filed a vote of no confidence in the government, accusing it of failing economic policy. The vote is expected to be supported by other parties, with a focus on the upcoming elections and the isolation of Delyan Peevski.