The 52nd National Assembly convened for its inaugural session on Thursday. Following the split of the Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria coalition on Wednesday, six parliamentary groups were formed. The newly sworn-in Members of Parliament elected Progressive Bulgaria MP Mihaela Dotsova as the National Assembly Chair.
The session commenced with the address of the oldest National Representative present, 78-year-old Progressive Bulgaria MP Rumen Milanov, who administered the oath to the 240 lawmakers. President Iliana Iotova addressed the assembly, emphasizing the legislature’s crucial role in voting on the 2026 State budget. She urged Bulgaria to adopt a more assertive stance within Europe, stating that the nation’s perspective must be valued alongside those of all 27 EU Member States.
Dotsova’s election as Chair was supported by her coalition, GERB-UDF, and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF), while other political forces abstained. Following the announcement of the parliamentary groups, each elected a Deputy Chair. In her address, Dotsova stated that the immediate challenge is to restore best practices in Bulgarian lawmaking, ensuring the process is predictable and debate-based rather than procedurally formal.
Various party leaders subsequently outlined their opposition roles. Progressive Bulgaria prioritized passing the State budget and addressing treasury issues. GERB-UDF positioned itself as a constructive, center-right opposition, accepting the election outcome.
Democratic Bulgaria affirmed its commitment to defending the rule of law and Bulgaria’s European trajectory. MRF pledged support for policies benefiting citizens’ rights and economic stability. Vazrazhdane declared its intent to act as the “nation’s conscience” and stressed the need to restore the Bulgarian lev.
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