MECH Protest Shuts Down Streets in Sofia as MPs Debate Party’s Parliamentary Future

A protest organized by the "Morality, Unity, Honor" (MECH) party is taking place in front of Bulgaria's National Assembly, with party members and supporters blocking the boulevard between the Bulgarian National Bank and the parliament building. The demonstration was sparked by the recent dissolution of MECH’s parliamentary group, a decision made by Speaker of Parliament Natalia Kiselova due to the group falling below the minimum number of required MPs. Protesters demanded Kiselova’s resignation and the immediate restoration of the MECH parliamentary group.
MECH leader Radostin Vassilev described the situation as lawless, accusing the authorities of acting arbitrarily. "This is a protest against the lawlessness, the timelessness that has set in in our country," Vassilev stated, adding that if the group is not restored, the protesters would enter the parliament and disrupt its proceedings. Other demonstrators expressed similar grievances, arguing that the government had been under mafia control for years and calling for early elections.
Political parties have taken opposing stances on the issue. "There Is Such a People" (TISP) submitted a draft resolution to restore the MECH group, with support from their partners in GERB and the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP). The "We Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria" (WCC-DB) alliance, as well as the "Greatness" party, also signaled their backing for the group's reinstatement. Representatives from "Greatness" joined the protest to express solidarity.
Amid the turmoil, Speaker Kiselova defended her decision, denying that she had yielded to external pressure when she disbanded the parliamentary group. She had previously outlined two potential solutions to resolve the crisis, but MECH supporters continued their protest, chanting slogans and blocking traffic on Knyaz Alexander I Square. Authorities increased police presence in the area as tensions remained high.
Constitutional law expert Hristo Ormandzhiev weighed in on the legal aspect of the controversy, explaining that the restoration of MECH’s parliamentary group could be expedited through a special parliamentary decision. He emphasized that newly elected MPs should first be sworn in to meet the required number for group formation. However, he pointed out that under current parliamentary rules, forming a completely new MECH group would not be legally feasible.
Ormandzhiev also warned that increasing the minimum threshold for parliamentary groups could lead to further instability, especially for smaller parties. He criticized the heated rhetoric surrounding the dispute, arguing that personal attacks against the Speaker of Parliament were inappropriate and that the political tensions should subside once the issue is resolved.
As the situation unfolded, MPs prepared to deliberate on the draft resolution to restore the MECH group, with the matter set to be the first agenda item in the National Assembly’s upcoming session.

Bulgaria's Kostadinov Met with Sanctioned RS President Milorad Dodik in Banja Luka
Milorad Dodik, President of Republika Srpska (RS), announced on the social platform X that he met with Kostadin Kostadinov, leader of Bulgaria’s Revival party,

Russia and Balkan Instability: Top Security Threats to Bulgaria According to National Security Agency
Russia and the volatile situation in the Western Balkans are identified as the primary threats to Bulgaria’s national security in the 2024

Trump Jr.'s Business Trip to Bulgaria: Meeting with Borissov Amid Magnitsky Speculation
Donald Trump Jr., the son of U.S. President Donald Trump, arrived in Sofia, Bulgaria on Sunday to participate in a business forum, organized by the cryptocurrency company Nexo

Bulgaria's Defense Minister Calls for Increased Military Spending and Modernization
Bulgaria is actively defending its national interests within NATO, according to Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov

Bulgaria's President Slams 'Zhelyazkov' Government, Calls It a Return to the 'Borissov Model'
Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has strongly criticized the current governmen

Bulgaria Signs Contract for 35 New Trains Worth Over 1 Billion Leva
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications Grozdan Karadjov has officially signed a contract for the acquisition of 35 new electric multiple unit