Addressing the newly sworn-in members of the 52nd National Assembly on Thursday, President Iliana Iotova emphasized that passing the 2026 national budget must be a primary function of the legislature. She characterized the extension of the 2025 budget as a significant manifestation of past political deadlock. The head of State warned that any further delay risks plunging citizens, businesses, municipalities, and state institutions into stagnation and unpredictability.
Iotova acknowledged that restoring public trust in Bulgarian institutions will be a challenging, long-term endeavor requiring concerted effort across all branches of government. She noted that citizens voted for a single political force, Progressive Bulgaria, expecting stable governance, an orderly state, and a genuine separation of powers as stipulated by the Constitution. She stressed that the populace expects justice, accountability for corruption, and efficient administration of law.
In her address, the President also addressed Bulgaria’s relationship with the European Union. Iotova urged Bulgaria to adopt a more assertive role within the EU structure. She argued that after nineteen years of EU membership, Bulgaria’s voice must be heard strongly, asserting that its perspective is as valuable as those of any of the 27 member states.
She highlighted Bulgaria’s potential contributions to the security of the EU’s external borders, its insights on the Western Balkans, and its capacity to become an economic hub for the future.
Topics: #budget #iotova #legislature
