Bulgaria Links Defense Modernization with Economic Stimulus
Bulgaria is moving forward with plans to modernize its armed forces
The National Assembly podium was effectively blocked by MPs from the "Revival" party after their leader, Kostadin Kostadinov, called for a halt to the parliament’s work for the day. This came amid ongoing protests outside the parliament building, where supporters of the Bulgarian lev have gathered since morning.
During the debate on the second reading of the Law on Measures Against the Financing of Terrorism, Kostadinov took the floor, declaring, “Today is a black day for Bulgaria, the Janissaries are burying our country.” His statement was met with a reprimand from the Speaker of the National Assembly, Natalia Kiselova, who criticized him for disrupting order and blocking parliamentary proceedings. “The bill is important and your behavior, to put it mildly, is in violation of the rules,” Kiselova said. Kostadinov retorted by accusing the Speaker of violating the Constitution.
Kiselova also reprimanded Kostadinov’s close ally, MP Tsoncho Ganev, after he engaged in a heated confrontation with Yavor Bozhankov from "We Continue Change-Democratic Bulgaria" (WCC-DB). Ganev, known for his unruly behavior, went further than usual when he forcefully shoved Bozhankov into the middle of the plenary hall. The incident was triggered by Bozhankov’s objection to Revival MPs occupying the rostrum in an attempt to stall parliamentary work - a protest linked to their opposition to Bulgaria’s euro adoption.
Tensions escalated quickly, but other MPs intervened before the situation turned violent. Despite the severity of the incident, Speaker Kiselova’s response was limited to a formal reprimand for Ganev’s breach of order.
Despite the disruption, parliament continued with the vote on the amendments to the anti-terrorism law while Revival deputies maintained their presence around the podium.
Borislav Sarafov will continue to serve as acting Prosecutor General beyond July 21, despite the expiration of the six-month legal term for temporary appointments to the top posts in the judiciary
The investigation targeting Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev was condemned as politically motivated during a press conference held today in the coastal city
Kostadin Kostadinov, leader of "Revival", and Ivelin Mihaylov from "Greatness" both suggested that MP Delyan Peevski - who is under US "Magnitsky" sanctions - played a role in the recent arrest of Varna mayor Blagomir Kotsev
From the floor of the National Assembly, GERB MP Toma Bykov delivered a formal declaration on behalf of his parliamentary group, welcoming Bulgaria’s upcoming accession to the eurozone
Speaking from the rostrum of the National Assembly, “Revival” party leader Kostadin Kostadinov delivered a sharply critical speech in response to the European Parliament and the European Commission
Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev was detained by police late Tuesday night following actions connected to an investigation
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