Bulgarian Defense Industry Crisis: Workers Protest Unpaid Wages in Targovishte
Workers at the state-owned "Terem - Khan Krum" armored vehicle repair plant in Targovishte staged a protes
In a 123-28 vote with 31 abstentions, Parliament established an ad hoc committee to investigate the November 16 protest by football fans against the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU). The motion, spearheaded by GERB-UDF floor leader Dessislava Atanassova, aims to delve into the events that transpired during what began as a peaceful rally but escalated into clashes between hooligans and law enforcement.
The protests turned violent, prompting scrutiny over alleged police brutality, captured in multiple social media videos. Calls for Interior Minister Kalin Stoyanov's resignation surfaced, met with a willingness for his replacement by the Prime Minister, albeit with resistance from GERB and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms.
The newly formed committee, led by Atanas Atanassov, seeks to determine if Interior Ministry regulations and rally protocols were followed. Its mandate spans one month and includes assessing the need for legislative amendments.
Supported by several parliamentary groups, the committee's establishment sparked controversy. The Movement for Rights and Freedoms deemed it "unlawful," citing existing investigative mechanisms within the Interior Ministry. Vazrazhdane raised concerns over the committee chair, citing potential conflict of interest.
GERB leader Boyko Borissov emphasized the need for transparency, stressing the importance of understanding the circumstances that led to the protest's escalation and addressing the use of excessive force by law enforcement.
Lieutenant General Charles Costanza, the Commanding General of the U.S. Army’s V Corps, visited Bulgaria from March 13-15
Delyan Peevski, leader of the "DPS – New Beginning" party, declared his commitment to "safeguarding Bulgaria from forces aiming to undermine the country"
The Bulgarian Constitutional Court has confirmed suspicions of electoral fraud benefiting "DPS - New Beginning," led by Delyan Peevski
The Bulgarian Constitutional Court has declared the election of 16 members of parliament invalid following a review of the election process
Bulgarian President Rumen Radev emphasized the need for a radical change in the electoral process, arguing that full implementation of machine voting could help restore public trust in elections
Boyko Borissov has warned that if the "Greatness" party enters parliament, it could jeopardize Bulgaria's chances of joining the eurozone
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