Chaos and Confrontation Mark Final Session of Bulgaria’s 50th National Assembly
The 50th National Assembly of Bulgaria concluded its final session in a chaotic atmosphere, marked by physical confrontations and a failure to secure a quorum
The political party "Revival" (Vazrazhdane) has introduced a bill on foreign agents to the National Assembly, according to their press center. This proposed legislation mandates the registration of all individuals and organizations, including politicians and political parties, that receive foreign funding. The party aims to advance this bill in the fourth parliament.
The party argues that the bill is necessary to prevent external influences on the media, associations, and foundations, which play a crucial role in shaping public opinion. They assert that such a measure will safeguard these entities from foreign interference.
A similar law has been in place in Russia for years, where it has been used to suppress dissent. A comparable bill was also prepared in Serbia but was withdrawn for additional coordination. In Georgia, the government pulled the draft law following widespread protests.
In August, during a parliamentary committee meeting on demographic policy and youth and sports, led by the pro-Russian party "Revival" (Vazrazhdane), there was a strong push for the immediate adoption of a "foreign agents" law, aimed at restricting civil organizations in Bulgaria.
This move follows a recent ban on discussing LGBTQ+ topics in schools and echoes similar legislation in Russia. The proposed law would mandate that any organization, artist, journalist, or vlogger receiving foreign funding declare themselves as "foreign agents," limiting their participation in state-related activities and positions.
The meeting included various guests who supported the law, arguing it is necessary to curb foreign influence and restrict LGBTQ+ advocacy. Critics, however, view the law as a tool for suppressing dissent and limiting freedoms, similar to its use in Russia.
The GERB party plans to call on the Sofia Municipal Council to reverse its decision to establish refugee centers in the "Vitosha" and "Oborishte" districts
Stefan Petrov, representing the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) prosecutors, has proposed Borislav Sarafov as the new candidate for the prosecutor general of Bulgaria
Acting Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev announced that the entire barrier along the Bulgarian-Turkish border is fully operational during the regular meeting of the Council of Ministers on Wednesday
The process of upgrading the Bulgarian Army's air defense systems has officially commenced
The Palestinian authorities will maintain their insistence on securing the release of the two Bulgarians captured from the Galaxy Leader ship
For the upcoming early elections in Bulgaria, 719 polling stations will be set up in 57 countrie
Bulgaria Ranks Second in the Balkans at Paris 2024 Olympics, 26th Overall
Bulgaria Leads Europe in Heat-Related Deaths in Record-Breaking 2023