Politics of Bulgaria

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.

European Commissioner for Economy Paolo Gentiloni visited Bulgaria, emphasizing the European Commission's unwavering support for Bulgaria's Schengen accession and its aspirations to meet the criteria for joining the eurozone.

Finance Minister Assen Vassilev rebuked President Rumen Radev for referencing "fake news" in his recent remarks about the 2024 draft budget, warning that a budget veto might lead Bulgaria into the new year without a financial plan.

Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov held an emergency briefing at the Council of Ministers, addressing the dire situation caused by heavy snowfall, stating that more than a thousand settlements across Bulgaria remain without electricity. Denkov's call for the meeting came amidst the state of disaster declared in several regions due to the severe winter conditions that have engulfed the country.

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.

The Security Council of the Council of Ministers faced deadlock over the controversial derogation of Russian oil imports, leading to heightened tensions between "We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria" (WCC-DB), GERB, and DPS.

In a pivotal session today, members of the Bulgarian parliament are poised to decide the fate of Nikolai Denkov's cabinet. The crucial vote, scheduled for 1:55 pm, comes after a motion of no confidence was tabled by the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), Vazrazhdane party, and There is Such a People (TISP).

GERB-SDS will not support the vote of no confidence against the government in Bulgaria, party leader Boyko Borissov assured on the sidelines of the parliament.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov has proposed a specific arrangement to GERB regarding the contentious issue of Lukoil's derogation. Denkov suggested, "On March 6, we have a rotation of the government. Until then, let's leave things as they are. The next day, if they want, they can remove the derogation for three days.

In an ongoing dispute, Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov has accused President Rumen Radev of obstructing his national security duties by refusing to sign the resignation of Plamen Tonchev, the chairman of the State Agency for National Security (SANS). Denkov argues that the President's refusal hampers the government's ability to function effectively in matters related to national security.