Bulgarian Banks Left Vulnerable as Central Bank 'Cannot Enforce' Magnitsky Act Sanctions
The Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) has admitted that it is unable to shield the country’s banking system from individuals subject to Magnitsky Act sanctions
The coalition of liberal parties "We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria-Spasi Sofia" (WCC-DB-SS) expressed full support for "Sofia Pride" and all family structures in a declaration at the Sofia Municipal Council meeting. Hristo Koparanov, a municipal councilor, read the declaration, emphasizing that every family, whether it consists of a mother and father, a single parent, or two partners, deserves respect. He highlighted the upcoming "March for Family" and "Sofia Pride" events, calling the opposition between these groups pointless and a false dilemma.
Koparanov stated that family is more than just a traditional structure; it includes single parents, two partners, and anyone people choose to build their lives with. The only type of family not supported by WCC-DB-SS is one that harbors domestic violence and inequality.
He emphasized the responsibility to listen to and protect citizens who feel wronged or live in fear, aiming to make Sofia a safe and accepting city. Koparanov called for ensuring the safety and dignity of all, particularly highlighting the importance of events like "Sofia Pride" in promoting equality and fighting hate speech and misinformation.
During his speech, Ivan Videlov from the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) placed a large plush pink unicorn next to Koparanov, but Koparanov continued undeterred. He concluded by reiterating WCC-DB-SS's support for peaceful human rights events like "Sofia Pride" and the recognition of all family forms as valuable.
Asen Vassilev, co-chair of the opposition party "We Continue the Change," sharply criticized the government’s decision to nominate Rumen Spetsov as special manager of Lukoil Neftochim
Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov told the parliamentary defense committee that Bulgaria expects the F-16 Block 70 fighters to become fully operational in 2028
The Bulgarian government has put forward Rumen Spetsov as the special sales representative for Lukoil Neftochim
Bulgaria’s Ministry of Defence is set to receive a budget of EUR 2.708 billion for 2026
Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev assured on Thursday that Bulgaria will not face a fuel crisis, stressing that the government is doing everything in its power to prevent one
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
Bulgaria's Strategic Role in the EU's Drone Wall Defense Initiative
When Politics Means Violence