Budget 2025: Discussion of Changes in Parliament Today

Today, the parliament will convene for a first reading to discuss the planned amendments to the State Budget Act of the Republic of Bulgaria for 2025. This key discussion is included as the first item on the legislative body's agenda, underscoring its urgency and importance.

The changes proposed for discussion were included in the program this morning, following an agreement reached during the parliamentary leadership council. This process demonstrates the institutions' rapid response to the need for change.

The period preceding today's plenary session included intensive work in the parliamentary committees. Yesterday, the Budget and Finance Committee in the National Assembly held a meeting at which it approved the proposed amendments to the State Budget Act for 2025 on first reading. These amendments were introduced by the Council of Ministers as a direct response to the challenges posed by the water crisis in Pleven municipality. The chairman of the committee, Delyan Dobrev, emphasized that the extraordinary meeting was necessary to ensure the timely consideration of the amendments in the plenary hall.

In addition to discussing the budget, the MPs will also consider other legislative initiatives on a second vote. These include amendments to the Territorial Planning Act and the Civil Aviation Act, as well as amendments to the Penal Code. The program also includes two bills concerning changes to the laws on the State Agency "National Security" and the State Agency "Intelligence". These diverse bills reflect the broad scope of legislative priorities.