The 52nd National Assembly convened on Thursday, marking the start of a new legislative session in Bulgaria. Following the splitting of the Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria coalition, six parliamentary groups were established. Progressing 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 oath administered to the 240 lawmakers by 78-year-old Progressive Bulgaria MP Rumen Milanov. Following the playing of the national and European anthems, President Iliana Iotova addressed the members, 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 the nation’s perspective merits equal consideration among the 27 Member States.
Dotsova, in her address, stated that the primary challenge is to restore best practices in Bulgarian lawmaking, advocating for a process based on debate rather than procedural formalism. The six formed groups—Progressive Bulgaria, GERB-UDF, Democratic Bulgaria, MRF, Continue the Change, and Vazrazhdane—each elected a Deputy Chair. Various political leaders issued declarations outlining their opposition roles.
Progressive Bulgaria prioritized passing the State budget and addressing treasury issues. GERB-UDF stated its readiness to act as a constructive, center-right opposition. Democratic Bulgaria affirmed its commitment to defending the rule of law.
The MRF positioned itself as a responsible opposition focused on citizen rights and economic stability. Vazrazhdane declared its intent to serve as the “nation’s conscience” and advocated for the return of the Bulgarian lev.
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