Netherlands Schedules Snap Parliamentary Elections for October 29
The Netherlands will head to the polls for early parliamentary elections on October 29
Acting Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev expressed confidence that the Bulgarian caretaker government has fulfilled its obligations to ensure fair elections. He emphasized that all duties were performed "with hand on heart," adding that a report from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) also supports this view, and it is available to the public. Glavchev reiterated his hope for a regular, stable government to emerge from this election, and noted the caretaker government’s ongoing collaboration with the European Commission on the Recovery and Sustainability Plan.
In contrast, Vice President Iliana Yotova voiced concerns over the recent elections, saying they did little to build public trust in the electoral process. Speaking from Veliko Tarnovo, Yotova commented on the prevalence of alleged vote-buying and expressed doubt about the likelihood of a stable government forming from the newly elected 51st National Assembly. She congratulated the election winners but warned them of the difficult task ahead in assembling a new cabinet, reiterating the need for a strong political government for Bulgaria. She added that it will be up to the parliamentary parties to determine whether this government will take the form of a minority administration or a multi-party coalition, cautioning that any alternative approach would be an avoidance of responsibility.
Yotova also rejected calls from some political figures to raise the parliamentary entry threshold beyond the current 4%. She questioned the motivation behind these proposals, suggesting they may be more reactionary than strategically calculated. “Bulgaria is a multi-party democracy,” she noted, suggesting that a system resembling the two-party American model is unlikely for the country.
Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov announced that Bulgaria plans to raise its defense budget to 5% of GDP
The proposals of “Spasi Sofia” to reorganize several public transport lines in the capital have passed through the municipal Transport Committee and are now set for a final vote in the City Council on Thursday.
President Rumen Radev has urged for caution amid the growing instability in the international arena, warning that Bulgaria must avoid being drawn into escalating global conflicts
Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev firmly rejected the idea that the European Parliament has any authority to speak on matters of national identity or language
Bulgaria’s entry into the eurozone is expected to bring clear economic advantages, but it also carries risks that go beyond the often-discussed topics in public discours
Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov and Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov moved to reassure the public on Monday, stating firmly that Bulgaria faces no direct threat - military or energy-related - following the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran
Borderless Bulgaria: How Schengen Benefits Are Transforming Trade and Logistics
Bulgaria's Mortality Rate Remains Highest in Europe