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 groups 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 voting.
The session began with the oath administered to the 240 lawmakers by the most senior National Representative present, 78-year-old Progressive Bulgaria MP Rumen Milanov. Following the playing of the Bulgarian 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.
Dotsova, elected Chair, stated that the primary challenge facing the National Assembly is restoring best practices in Bulgarian lawmaking, advocating for a process based on debate rather than procedural formalism. Each of the six formed parliamentary groups elected its own Deputy Chair. During the proceedings, various political figures outlined their party’s opposition role.
Progressive Bulgaria MP Petar Vitanov highlighted passing the State budget and addressing treasury issues as top priorities. GERB-UDF MP Toma Bikov stated the party would act as a constructive, center-right opposition. Nadejda Iordanova of the CC-DB coalition affirmed their commitment to defending the rule of law.
Ayten Sabri of the MRF outlined their focus on citizen rights, economic stability, and European development for Bulgaria. Kostadin Kostadinov, representing Vazrazhdane, declared his party would serve as the “nation’s conscience.”
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