The 52nd National Assembly convened for its inaugural session on Thursday. Following the splitting of the Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria coalition, six distinct parliamentary groups were established. The session commenced with 78-year-old Progressive Bulgaria MP Rumen Milanov, who administered the oath to the 240 lawmakers.
Following the playing of the national and European anthems, President Iliana Iotova addressed the members, emphasizing the legislature’s critical function of voting on the 2026 State budget. She urged Bulgaria to adopt a more assertive role within the European Union, stating that the nation’s perspective should be valued alongside that of all Member States. Progressive Bulgaria MP Mihaela Dotsova was elected as the National Assembly Chair, supported by her coalition, GERB-UDF, and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF), while other political forces abstained from the vote.
Subsequently, each of the six groups elected a Deputy Chair. In her address, Dotsova stated the goal is to improve Bulgarian lawmaking by making the process predictable and debate-driven rather than procedurally rigid. The floor leaders and deputy floor leaders for the six groups were announced.
Various political figures presented declarations outlining their party’s priorities. Progressive Bulgaria highlighted passing the State budget and addressing treasury issues. GERB-UDF indicated it would serve as a constructive, center-right opposition, accepting the election results.
Democratic Bulgaria affirmed its commitment to defending the rule of law and Bulgaria’s European trajectory. The MRF stated its intent to support policies beneficial to citizens’ rights and the state’s interests. Vazrazhdane declared it would act as the “nation’s conscience.”
Topics: #national #assembly #bulgaria
