Shooting, Blaze, and Panic in Central Belgrade: Tensions Boil Over at Pro-Government Camp
The center of Belgrade was cordoned off on Wednesday morning after gunfire erupted near the Serbian Parliament
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.
The Bulgarian army has begun the process of retiring the long-serving Soviet Makarov pistol, which has been in service since 1951
Armin Papperger, CEO of the German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall, stressed the critical importance of securing NATO’s eastern flank
Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev has officially revoked the delegated powers of the city’s Chief Architect, Bogdana Panayotova
The Russian Embassy in Sofia has issued a warning that an increasing number of Russian citizens in Bulgaria are falling victim to property-related fraud
Bulgaria’s National Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favor of granting sweeping powers to the future special manager of Lukoil Neftochim Burgas
A majority of Bulgarians continue to see democracy as the best system of governance
Bulgaria's Strategic Role in the EU's Drone Wall Defense Initiative
When Politics Means Violence