The 52nd National Assembly convened on Thursday, marking the beginning of the session. Following a split within the Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) coalition, six distinct parliamentary groups were established. Progressing Bulgaria MP Mihaela Dotsova was elected as the National Assembly Chair by the vote of the newly sworn-in deputies.
The session commenced with the address by 78-year-old Progressive Bulgaria MP Rumen Milanov, who administered the oath to the 240 lawmakers. President Iliana Iotova addressed the members, emphasizing the legislature’s responsibility to vote on the 2026 State budget. She urged Bulgaria to adopt a more assertive stance within the European Union, asserting that the nation’s perspective is valued equally among all Member States.
Dotsova’s election as Chair received support from her coalition, GERB-UDF, and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF), while other political factions abstained. Following the announcement of the six parliamentary groups, each elected a Deputy Chair. In her address, Dotsova stated that the primary challenge was to restore best practices to Bulgarian lawmaking, advocating for a process based on debate rather than procedural formalism.
Various party leaders subsequently read declarations outlining their operational stances. Progressive Bulgaria highlighted the passing of the State budget and addressing treasury issues. GERB-UDF stated its readiness to act as a constructive, centre-right opposition.
The MRF positioned itself to support policies safeguarding citizens’ rights, while Vazrazhdane declared its intention to serve as the “nation’s conscience.” These declarations underscored differing priorities for the future governance of Bulgaria.
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