The 52nd National Assembly of Bulgaria convened for its inaugural session on Thursday. Following the split of the Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) coalition on Wednesday, six parliamentary groups were established. Progressive Bulgaria MP Mihaela Dotsova was elected as the National Assembly Chair, a vote supported by her coalition, GERB-UDF, and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF); other political forces abstained.
The session commenced with the oath administered to the 240 lawmakers by the oldest National Representative present, 78-year-old Progressive Bulgaria MP Rumen Milanov. Following the playing of the national anthems, President Iliana Iotova addressed the assembly, emphasizing the legislature’s critical role in voting on the 2026 State budget. She urged Bulgaria to adopt a more assertive stance within the European Union, asserting that Bulgaria’s perspective should be valued equally among the 27 Member States.
Dotsova, who was elected Chair, stated that the challenge facing the assembly was to restore best practices in Bulgarian lawmaking, ensuring processes are based on debate rather than procedural formalism. Subsequent statements from the newly formed parliamentary groups outlined their opposition roles. Progressive Bulgaria prioritized passing the State budget and addressing treasury issues, while GERB-UDF positioned itself as a constructive, centre-right opposition.
The MRF committed to backing policies that protect citizen rights and economic stability. Vazrazhdane stated its intent to act as the nation’s conscience, while CC-DB emphasized defending the rule of law and Bulgaria’s European course.
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