The 52nd National Assembly convened for its inaugural session on Thursday. Following the split of the Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) coalition into two factions on Wednesday, six parliamentary groups were established. Progressive Bulgaria MP Mihaela Dotsova was elected as the National Assembly Chair, with support from her coalition, GERB-UDF, and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF); other political forces abstained from the vote.
The session commenced with the address by 78-year-old Progressive Bulgaria MP Rumen Milanov, who administered the oath to the 240 lawmakers. After the playing of the Bulgarian and European anthems, President Iliana Iotova urged the legislature to prioritize voting on the 2026 State budget, stating that Bulgaria needed to project a more assertive voice within the European Union. Following the announcement of the six parliamentary groups, each elected a Deputy Chair.
In her address, Dotsova stated that the focus must be on restoring best practices in Bulgarian lawmaking, emphasizing debate over procedural formalism. The various political forces presented declarations outlining their roles. Progressive Bulgaria highlighted passing the State budget and addressing treasury issues.
GERB-UDF stated its readiness to act as a constructive, center-right opposition. Nadejda Iordanova, speaking for the CC-DB, affirmed their opposition role would focus on defending the rule of law and Bulgaria’s European trajectory. Ayten Sabri of MRF committed the party to supporting policies benefiting citizens’ rights and economic stability.
Kostadin Kostadinov of Vazrazhdane declared the party would serve as the nation’s conscience, emphasizing the need to speak the truth.
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