Tsoncho Ganev

The majority in Bulgaria's parliament has given the green light to the first reading of a new law governing the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB), marking a pivotal moment in the country's journey toward Eurozone accession. The legislation, if passed, will play a crucial role in facilitating Bulgaria's entry into the Eurozone.

As a consequence of the recent cold spell gripping Bulgaria, the nation experienced a notable shift in its energy dynamics, emerging as a net importer of electricity on January 9. Despite possessing ample capacity, Bulgaria's electricity production struggles to compete in the market, leading to increased reliance on neighboring countries.

With 144 votes "in favor", 52 "against", the parliament finally revoked the concession of Rosenets port from the Russian company Lukoil by adopting the second reading of changes to the Control Law on the implementation of restrictive measures in view of Russia's actions destabilizing the situation in Ukraine.

The Anti-Corruption Commission i.e. the Commission for Combating Corruption and Confiscation of Illegally Acquired Property (KPKONPI) will be divided in two.
This was decided by the parliament, adopting in the first reading the Law on combating corruption among persons occupying high public positions.

There were physical clashes in the plenary hall after, during a declaration from the parliamentary rostrum, Yavor Bozhankov from "We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria" (WCC-DB) called Kostadin Kostadinov and Tsoncho Ganev from pro-Russian party "Vazrazhdane": "soft wrists" ("meki kitki" which in Bulgarian insinuates homosexual orientation).

The GERB-SDS parliamentary group held a meeting with "Vazrazhdane" (Revival), where they discussed sectoral policies. It is also the last party with which the largest parliamentary group held talks on program and policies.

President Rumen Radev continues the political consultations for forming a government with the parliamentary groups in the 49th National Assembly.

Rosen Zhelyazkov was elected chairman of the 49th National Assembly. 136 MPs voted for his candidacy, 0 against, 94 abstained.

"Vazrazhdane" expect to be the third political force in the new parliament. This is what Tsoncho Ganev, deputy chairman of the party said. The party will not participate in a governing coalition, as "the two leading parties want to take the country to war," according to him.

The candidate of "There Is Such a People" Lubomir Karimanski was not elected head of the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB). 59 voted in favor, 36 against, 140 abstained.

Karimanski was supported by GERB and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms during the debate.