Food Chain Boycott in Bulgaria Concludes After Partial Victory
The Initiative Committee for the Boycott of Retail Chains in Bulgaria has announced the end of its protests
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.
President Rumen Radev met with representatives from the Japan-Bulgarian Business Association (JBBA) to discuss strengthening bilateral ties between Bulgaria and Japan
The pro-Russian party "Revival" has submitted a vote of no confidence against the government of Rosen Zhelyazkov, citing what they describe as systemic failures in Bulgaria's foreign policy
Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova discussed the recently adopted 2025 national budget, emphasizing that it was a step toward stabilizing Bulgaria's public finances
Bulgaria's Ministry of Defense is preparing legislative changes to introduce mandatory military training for specific professional groups
A new Trend agency survey reveals that nearly half of Bulgarians prefer the current government to continue its mandate rather than holding early elections
The Bulgarian defense industry is calling for clear guidance on the development of the country’s capabilities in line with the new European armament plans
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