Understanding Bulgaria's Political System: Key Institutions and Processes
Bulgaria operates under a parliamentary republic
The Bulgarian parliament has accepted the resignation of Ekaterina Zaharieva, a member of the GERB-SDS party, with a vote of 184 in favor. Zaharieva resigned from her position as a Member of Parliament following her election to the European Commission.
In her new role, Zaharieva will oversee the department for "Startups, Research and Innovation" within the European Commission. Her resignation comes as she transitions to this new European position.
Zaharieva, recently nominated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for the role of Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation, is one of five European Commissioner nominees facing significant scrutiny, according to Politico.
Zaharieva, previously a Bulgarian Minister of Justice, is under particular scrutiny due to past concerns about her involvement in a scandal related to passport issuance for bribes.
Other vulnerable nominees include Hungary's Oliver Varhelyi, criticized for his controversial past as Commissioner for Enlargement, Slovenia's Marta Kos, who resigned from ambassadorial posts amid abuse allegations, Belgium's Hadja Lahbib, with concerns over her past trip to Crimea and visa issues, and Malta's Glenn Micallef, whose lack of relevant experience has raised questions.
Political scientist Ralitsa Simeonova has expressed concern that the chances of forming a government in Bulgaria diminish with each passing day
In 60 out of 11,626 polling stations mandated to have video surveillance, no recordings were made, according to data provided by the Information Service to the Central Election Commission (CEC)
Boyko Borissov, the leader of GERB, addressed current political issues in Bulgaria in a recent briefing, expressing concern over the reluctance of political parties to govern and form a government just ten days after the elections
Teodor Slavev, a representative from the Bulgarian Institute for Legal Initiatives, has expressed serious concerns regarding the conduct of the recent elections
The leader of "DPS - New Beginning", Delyan Peevski, has called for Bulgaria's caretaker government and National Assembly to authorize MEP Elena Yoncheva to negotiate the release of Bulgarian sailors
Bulgaria's caretaker government will not approach the Constitutional Court to annul the October 27 election results, confirmed Acting Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev
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