Bulgaria: Borissov Tells Radev to 'Veto or Approve' as Dispute Over Lukoil Oversight Deepens
President Rumen Radev has once again criticized the government over its actions regarding the Burgas-based refinery “Lukoil Neftochim”
In line with constitutional protocol, President Rumen Radev will convene with Dimitar Glavchev, the candidate for acting Prime Minister, tomorrow, April 5th, at 9:30 a.m. at "Dondukov" 2. Glavchev, assigned on March 30th to propose a composition for a caretaker government, is expected to present his official cabinet draft during the meeting.
Constitutionally mandated consultations with representatives from parliamentary groups in the 49th National Assembly will precede the appointment of the cabinet by the president, underscoring Bulgaria's democratic process.
Meanwhile, concerns have arisen regarding the feasibility of organizing consecutive elections for the European Parliament and the National Assembly due to logistical challenges faced by the Central Election Commission (CEC). Kamelia Neikova, CEC chairperson, highlighted the legal constraints the commission faces, indicating that conducting elections in two consecutive weeks poses significant operational hurdles.
Neikova emphasized the practical difficulties associated with coordinating election logistics, particularly in managing voting materials and electronic systems. The CEC's readiness for the European Parliament elections was affirmed, but concerns persist regarding its capacity to manage back-to-back electoral events.
President Radev echoed the need for transparent and efficient electoral processes, stressing the importance of maximizing voter participation while minimizing logistical strain on citizens and election organizers alike. He advocated for a combined election format to address these concerns and optimize resource allocation.
Despite challenges, the CEC remains committed to upholding democratic principles and ensuring the integrity of electoral procedures. Neikova confirmed ongoing efforts to schedule elections and navigate logistical complexities in anticipation of forthcoming electoral mandates.
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov admitted that he does not consider the draft state budget for 2026 to be a good one, yet described it as the only feasible option under the current geopolitical and domestic circumstances
The Bulgarian government has approved the draft State Budget Act for 2026, along with the updated Medium-Term Budget Forecast for 2026–2028
GERB leader Boyko Borissov said he was certain that Bulgaria would obtain a derogation related to the application of US sanctions against Russian oil companies Lukoil and Rosneft
Starting today, Blagomir Kotsev officially resumes his role as mayor of Varna, putting an end to the period of substitution
Bulgaria is set to receive the third disbursement under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan before the end of the year
Sea trials have begun for Bulgaria’s first multipurpose modular patrol vessel for the Navy, marking another step in the modernization of the country’s maritime defense capabilities
Bulgaria's Strategic Role in the EU's Drone Wall Defense Initiative
When Politics Means Violence