More Confusion: Daniel Mitov Declines Offer for Acting Foreign Minister
GERB MP Daniel Mitov has announced his refusal to accept the offer to serve as acting foreign minister, citing concerns about becoming a pawn in the current power struggle
It is the second day in a row that people have demonstrated, angry at the results of Sunday's presidential vote. Security services claim to have foiled an attempt to assassinate the president's main election rival.
Belarusian police in full riot gear battled protesters for a second evening in capital city Minsk on Monday, following President Alexander Lukashenko's victory in Sunday's election.
One protester died, the Interior Ministry reported, alleging that he had intended to throw an explosive device but it blew up in his hand.
Security services used tear gas and shot rubber bullets at people attending peaceful demonstrations and detained a number of protesters, according to reports by independent Belarusian media. Access to central squares and streets was barred.
Police dragged protesters out of the crowd and beat them with truncheons. More than 30 people were arrested, reported news agency Reuters, citing an eyewitness.
Lukashenko won a sixth term as president with 80% of the vote, according to preliminary results released on Monday. The president's opponents have claimed that the election result was rigged in his favor.
On Sunday evening and into Monday, mass protests erupted in cities across the country, including the capital Minsk, angry at the result. Belarusian authorities detained about 3,000 people at demonstrations throughout the country, the Interior Ministry said in comments carried by Russian media.
The president has been in office since Belarus established the role in 1994 and is dubbed by critics as "Europe's last dictator."
The international community has expressed concern over the result. Earlier on Monday, Germany's Foreign Ministry said there was "no sign of a free and fair election in Belarus."
The US' Trump administration was "deeply concerned" about the elections, said White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany on Monday.
"Severe restrictions on ballot access for candidates, prohibition of local independent observers and polling stations, intimidation of opposition candidates and then detention of peaceful protesters and journalists have marred the process and we urge the Belarusian government to respect the right to peaceably assemble and to refrain from the use of force," said McEnany. / dw.com
#Belarus this are definitively not my colleagues in a real criminal policestate #Lukashenka https://t.co/mBtsz6pVKl
— Ruud Elderhorst (@RuudElderhorst) August 12, 2020
We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!
GERB MP Daniel Mitov has announced his refusal to accept the offer to serve as acting foreign minister, citing concerns about becoming a pawn in the current power struggle
The Bulgarian National Assembly has unanimously voted in favor of a 30% salary increase for military personnel
Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, the Bulgarian government is closely monitoring the situation and stands prepared for the potential evacuation of Bulgarian citizens
In a recent meeting of the European Council, Acting Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev underscored Bulgaria's unwavering support for Ukraine amidst discussions surrounding the fight against disinformation and foreign manipulation of information
In a testament to enduring friendship, this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and China
Acting Minister of Transport, Georgi Gvozdeikov, has taken the unprecedented step of canceling the tender for the supply of 35 single-deck motor trains, valued at a staggering BGN 1.1 billion
UN Happiness Report: Bulgaria's Astonishing Leap in Rankings
Bulgaria: 3 Regions With Lowest Life Expectancy - EU Report 2022