Movement for Rights and Freedoms

In a significant decision, Members of Parliament have passed a bill extending the reduced VAT rate of 9% for restaurants until December 31, 2024. The amendment, discussed at its second reading, received 184 affirmative votes, with 7 against and two abstentions. Irena Dimova from GERB-UDF proposed these alterations to the Value Added Tax Act.

In a session held on Monday, Parliament advanced the 2024 State Budget Bill at its first reading, marking a significant legislative step forward. The bill received 144 votes in favor, 66 against, and no abstentions.

Bulgaria's Prime Minister, Nikolai Denkov, lauded Austria's recent shift in stance as a positive step towards Schengen expansion. This move by Vienna signifies a willingness to grant Bulgaria and Romania entry into the border-free travel area, albeit limited to air travel for now.

A recent Alpha Research agency poll conducted between November 22 and 30 has unveiled a 36% decline in potential voter turnout for upcoming parliamentary elections.

The Governor and Deputy Governor of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), Stanimir Mihaylov and Prof Momchil Mavrov, have submitted their resignations to the National Assembly, confirmed by Parliament's press centre following a joint briefing by GERB leader Boyko Borissov, Democratic Bulgaria co-chair Hristo Ivanov, and We Continue the Change co-chair Asen Vassilev.

GERB leader Boyko Borissov, along with Democratic Bulgaria co-chair Hristo Ivanov and We Continue the Change co-chair Asen Vassilev, jointly announced their intention to request the resignation of the Governor and Deputy Governor of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov raised concerns regarding the recent appointment of Momchil Mavrov as Deputy Governor of the National Health Insurance Fund, citing violations of key principles and alleged lobbying.

Delyan Peevski, head of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS) parliamentary group, has openly criticized Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov, accusing the government of failing to manage the aftermath of heavy snowfall in the country.

Bulgaria's National Assembly cast a crucial vote, tallying 94-55 with 61 abstentions, dismissing a proposed bill by GERB-SDS's Delyan Dobrev. The bill aimed to swiftly rescind an exception allowing the processing of Russian-sourced oil, a move in response to an EU-issued ban.

In a contentious session at the Bulgarian Parliament, MPs voted 66-61 in favor of supporting Nikolai Denkov's government. However, moments before the no-confidence motion was put to vote, Members of Parliament from GERB-SDS and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS) vacated the chamber.