Mihaela Dotsova of Progressive Bulgaria was elected as the Parliament Chair during the inaugural session of Bulgaria’s 52nd National Assembly on Thursday. Her nomination received support from 188 Members of Parliament representing Progressive Bulgaria, GERB-UDF, and the Movement for Rights and Freedom, while 49 MPs from Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria and Vazrazhdane abstained, with no recorded votes against her. In contrast, Peter Petrov of Vazrazhdane received support from 12 MPs, faced 175 votes against, and 50 abstentions.
Addressing the assembly, Mihaela Dotsova stated that the primary challenge facing the legislature is to reestablish best practices in Bulgarian lawmaking. She emphasized the need for a predictable process grounded in debate rather than mere procedural formality. Dotsova argued that legislation must be informed by impact assessments, rather than being assembled arbitrarily.
She stressed that lawmakers should prioritize the sustainability of decisions over short-term political gains, asserting that Bulgaria requires both sustainable governance and the restoration of the rule of law. Furthermore, she noted the ongoing challenge of strengthening an independent and lawful state. Mihaela Dotsova is a 42-year-old lawyer who was Progressive Bulgaria’s top-of-the-list candidate for Sofia’s 23rd multi-member constituency.
Her professional background includes extensive experience in government administration and the legislative sector. Since 2017, she has been associated with the Ministry of Environment and Water, where she served for over seven years, including roles as head of the Legal Directorate, chief secretary, and head of the minister’s cabinet. Additionally, she has practiced law at the National Assembly and the Sofia Regional Administration.
Dotsova holds a PhD in Administrative Law and Administrative Procedure and has authored over 13 scientific publications.
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