site.btaWeekly Roundup of Political Events: March 26 - April 1

Sofia, March 26 

The Government, the National Assembly and the governing coalition are handling the current exceptionally grave situation well in view of the war nearby, National Assembly Chair Nikola Minchev says, commenting on the government’s first 100 days in office. He says that the state budget was adopted and some of the planned reforms were launched, including first-reading passage of a bill concerning the closure of specialized jurisdictions and the revoking of “career bonuses” for the Supreme Judicial Council. This is quite a reform in itself, but it is just the beginning, Minchev adds. According to him, the Recovery and Resilience Plan is to be signed within the next two weeks. 

Sofia, March 26

"I am content with the first 100 days of the Government, not the least because of the fact that I do not recall such a complicated situation with so many crises that literally overlap daily in the last 32 years of transition,” Vice President Iliana Iotova tells journalists, adding that the Government has shown determination to fight corruption and inflation, and she expects to see these good intentions turn into good results in the coming months. Iotova is convinced Bulgaria should not send arms to Ukraine. The decision to enhance NATO’s defence capacity is a step in the right direction, but that does not mean participation in war, she says.

Sofia, March 26

North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani tells a weekly news briefing that some progress has been made in negotiations with Bulgaria, but differences have not been overcome yet. Osmani says that both countries understand the gravity of the moment and the implications of the unblocking within the framework of the new geopolitical context and that he expects soon another meeting with Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov.

Sofia, March 26

“What is surprising for me and confusing for many people is the consistent replacement of members of the caretaker governments who uncovered many corruption schemes from which the change started,” President Rumen Radev tells journalists. He expects the government to focus on ensuring energy and food security.

Sofia, March 28

The Russian Federation uses local-level corruption as an instrument to exert influence in the Balkan region, Bulgarian prime Minister Kiril Petkov says after a meeting between heads of government of NATO members in Southeastern Europe, attended by the prime ministers of Romania Nicolae Ciucă, of North Macedonia Dimitar Kovačevski and of Montenegro Zdravko Krivokapić. The discussion focuses on the impact of the war in Ukraine on the region. The Prime Ministers express their support for Ukraine and call for developing cooperation between the countries in the region.

Sofia, March 28

In a statement sent to the media six former defence ministers say that Bulgaria should quickly join the all-European and Euro-Atlantic response to the aggression against Ukraine and "join in the defence supplies to the best of this country's abilities". The six former defence ministers who sign the statement are Boiko Noev, Nikolai Svinarov, Anyu Angelov, Todor Tagarev, Velizar Shalamanov, and Nikolai Nenchev. 

Sofia, March 29

On the first day of the EUSC, Nikola Minchev took part in a discussion on the topics discussed are "The role of parliaments in emergency policies - building sustainability for democratic governance" and "The European Union as a guarantor of stability, security and prosperity in the region (and beyond)".

Sofia, March 29

The Ambassadors of 35 countries in Sofia condemn in a joint statement MP Elena Guncheva's (Vazrazhdane) threats of violence from March 18, when she wrote on Facebook that Russia can attack the Council of Ministers with high-precision weapons if the Government decides to send missiles to the "clown Zelenskyy". Guncheva also indirectly addressed the US Ambassador to Bulgaria Herro Mustafa, saying that Bulgaria could send her coordinates to Russia. National Assembly Chair Nikola Minchev deems Guncheva’s words as “dishonorable and unacceptable”. 

Sofia, March 29 

Bulgaria's Ministry of Labour and Social Policy is fully prepared to provide support and assistance to the refugees from Ukraine, Labour and Social Policy Minister Georgi Gyokov says during an online meeting with Ukrainian Social Policy Minister Maryna Lazebna. The conversation focuses on protecting and providing humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian children. In this connection, the sides discuss the drafting of a bilateral Memorandum of Cooperation on the provision of social protection to children affected by military conflicts.

Blagoevgrad, Southwestern Bulgaria, March 29

"Innovation and high-tech companies are not only the fastest growing but also the most resilient in the difficult economic situation in Europe and worldwide. These companies are the basis of Bulgaria’s sustainable economic development," Innovation and Growth Minister Daniel Lorer says during the opening of a regional forum “Investments and Innovation in Blagoevgrad”, organized by the Blagoevgrad Municipality and the American University in Bulgaria. “We will continue supporting the Bulgarian business. An energy efficiency support programme for Bulgarian small and medium-sized enterprises worth nearly 140 million leva will be launched within a week”, Lorer adds.

Sofia, March 29

Slovak State Secretary for Foreign and European Affairs Martin Klus pays a two-day visit to Bulgaria. The agenda is dominated by Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine and its effects on Europe’s security system and the subsequent refugee crisis. Klus reaffirms Slovakia’s support for Bulgaria’s full-fledged membership of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, the Schengen area and the Eurozone.

Sofia, March 29

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg delivers a speech in a video, addressed to Bulgarian National Assembly Chair Nikola Minchev, Prime Minister Kiril Petkov and members of Parliament, on the occasion of the 18th anniversary of Bulgaria's accession to the Alliance. The video is published on the Bulgarian National Assembly's website. Stoltenberg thanks for Bulgaria's contribution to the shared security, stressing the Black Sea region, which is of great strategic importance for NATO. 

Sofia, March 30

Leaders of the four parties in the ruling coalition hold a meeting hosted by Prime Minister Kiril Petkov. The discussion focuses on the EU accession of the Republic of North Macedonia and powers of the Council of Ministers which do not concern the activity of the National Assembly.

Sofia, March 30

Prime Minister Kiril Petkov says that he is assigning the ministers of finance and of labour and social policy with the task of preparing a support package for the neediest people to offset the higher food prices due to the war in Ukraine. The package is to be called Easter Support, and will be ready next week, Petkov says at a regular weekly meeting of the government. He adds that the 60/40 job retention scheme is extended until the end of June.

Sofia, March 30

Democratic Bulgaria MP Atanas Atanassov says that his party is launching consultations to have the National Assembly vote on a bill to have the Bulgarian Government provide military equipment to Ukraine in accordance with Bulgarian capabilities and Ukrainian needs. Atanassov says that the basis for the declaration will be the principled position expressed by Parliament on February 24 which strongly condemns the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine. BSP for Bulgaria floor leader Georgi Svilenski tells journalists that parties on the left are expressly against this country offering military aid to Ukraine. There is Such a People and Continue the Change also express willingness to discuss the proposal of Democratic Bulgaria. GERB-UDF MP Daniel Mitov stresses that the parliamentary group proposes to the Government to join the common efforts and provide military hardware to Ukraine. Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov said that his party is organizing a rally on April 6 in front of the National Assembly building to protest the Government’s policy on the war in Ukraine.

Sofia, March 30

Bulgaria's Council of Ministers extends until April 15 the time limit by which foreign nationals or stateless persons who have left Ukraine because of the hostilities and who have entered and stay in Bulgarian territory, can obtain temporary protection even without expressly applying and registering for such a status.

Sofia, March 30

As of April 1, Bulgaria will no longer be in a state of epidemic emergency, Health Minister Asena Serbezova tells reporters. With this, the health authorities are also lifting the temporary anti-epidemic measures, including face masks in public places, social distancing, restrictions on the number of visitors in indoor sites, universities, and hospitals, and on the number of employees allowed to work the same shift.

Sofia, March 30

The Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) and GERB clash during Parliament’s Wednesday sitting over a US offer for changes in a contract with the US for acquiring F-16 Block 70 fighter jets. MPs from the nationalist Vazrazhdane party also join the debates. The debate escalates in response to a government proposal to ratify the change in the international contract [Letter of Offer and Acceptance], which provides for the acquisition of three additional Sidewinder AIM 9X Block II missiles, a container, and spare parts, at the expense of other unused funds under the contract. Socialist MP Borislav Gutsanov suggests that the eight F-16 Block 70 fighters Bulgaria has purchased are overpriced. He criticizes Bulgaria’s full pre-payment purchase and says it is treason. GERB-UDF MP Toma Bikov objects to Gutsanov’s remarks, arguing that subsequent aircraft purchases will be at lower prices. According to Vazrazhdane MP Nikolay Drenchev, the deal for acquiring the F-16 fighters is vicious, full of doubts, and despite the billions spent, it fails to meet its main objective, which is to give the Bulgarian Air Force some sort of capabilities. “Shame on our U.S. partners, who lied to us that they will supply the aircraft and now are throwing at us three missiles,” BSP MP Rumen Gechev says. 

Sofia, March 30

There Is Such a People (TISP) leader Slavi Trifonov writes in a Facebook post that if the Republic of North Macedonia wants to be part of the EU, its citizens must be allowed to self-identify freely. He claims that over 100,000 citizens of North Macedonia have proven their Bulgarian origin in Bulgaria, but in North Macedonia they are afraid to identify as Bulgarians.

Sofia, March 30

By a decree of President Rumen Radev, Hristo Alexiev is appointed the President’s Secretary of Economy. Over the years Alexiev has held positions as an economic expert and consultant on the Intermodal Terminal construction project in Plovdiv, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Port Burgas EAD and Chairman of the Management Board and Deputy General Director of the National Railway Infrastructure Company.

Sofia, March 30

Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov confers with European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi who is on a working visit to Bulgaria.

The two sides discuss the war in Ukraine and its impact on the countries in the region, as well as the outcomes of the meeting between the heads of government of NATO members in Southeastern Europe which was held in Sofia on March 28.

Sofia, March 31

Attending an event at which the Interior Ministry reports on its performance in 2021, Prime Minister Kiril Petkov praises the Ministry "for siding with the people". "We are now living in liminal times, and everyone should either side with the law and the people or with the status quo, corruption, and the untouchables". He uses the occasion to criticize the work of the prosecuting magistracy once again. "Bulgaria's prosecuting magistracy is not working. To me, [Prosecutor General Ivan] Geshev is totally compromised. He is compromised at the EU level," Petkov says.

Sofia, March 31

Former caretaker justice minister Ivan Demerdjiev declines being appointed deputy interior minister. In his statement, he writes that he firmly believes that the position wherefrom he can make decisive new steps in the fight against corruption and upholding the rule of justice is not the position of deputy interior minister. 

Sofia, March 31

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev confers with European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi, who is currently on a working visit to Bulgaria. Vice President Iliana Iotova also attends the meeting. Radev stresses that Bulgaria expects North Macedonia to translate its numerous promises into results to strengthen mutual trust and create sustainable prerequisites for developing goodneighbourly relations.

Sofia, March 31

Bulgaria must continue its veto policy on the start of North Macedonia’s negotiations for EU membership until we receive clear guarantees that out interests will be protected, says President Rumen Radev in response to a journalistic question about the recent population census in North Macedonia, according to which 3,504 people have identified themselves as Bulgarians.

Sofia, March 31

Regional mayors from Bulgaria and North Macedonia take part in a meeting of the Joint Working Group for the Interreg-IPA Cross-border Cooperation Programme 2021-2027 between the two countries. The forum is organized by the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria (NAMRB).

Sofia, March 31

BSP leader Korneliya Ninova, Deputy Parliament Chair Kristian Vigenin and BSP for Bulgaria floor leader Georgi Svilenski meet with EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Policy Olivér Várhelyi to discuss the start of North Macedonia’s negotiations for joining the EU. The BSP reaffirms its current position that North Macedonia’s accession cannot happen at the expense of Bulgaria’s national interest and history.

Sofia, March 31 

More than 133,000 refugees have entered Bulgaria since the outbreak of hostilities in Ukraine, and a little over 61,000 of them remain in this country, the State Agency for Refugees tells the National Assembly Committee on Human Rights, Religion and Citizens' Complaints, updating the MPs on the situation by March 31.

Sofia, March 31 

GERB leader and former Bulgarian prime minister Boyko Borissov holds a working meeting with visiting EU Neighbourhood and Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi. Borissov tells the guest that "Bulgaria will back the start of EU accession negotiations with the Republic of North Macedonia only after the rights of that country's citizens who identify themselves as Bulgarians and the Bulgarian national interest have been guaranteed."

Sofia, April 1 

Bulgaria has stated many times that the creation of conditions for the free self-determination of the citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia, who identify themselves as Bulgarians, is of paramount importance, the Foreign Ministry says in a statement, issued in connection with the recently announced results of the 2021 population census in North Macedonia. The Bulgarian Foreign Ministry says it is surprised by the published information about the number of citizens in North Macedonia who have identified as Bulgarians in the census in that country. There is a stark difference between these figures and the over 100,000 citizens of North Macedonia, who have personally submitted documents proving their Bulgarian origins when applying for Bulgarian citizenship, the statement says. The Ministry is taking under special consideration the doubts, expressed by organizations of Bulgarians in North Macedonia, about the transparency and credibility of the census-taking process and the results announced. 

Sofia, April 1

Bulgaria exports weapons and dual use goods to over 60 countries but Ukraine is not among them, and it has not been since the signing of the Minsk agreements in 2015, Deputy Prime Minister and Economy and Industry Minister Korneliya Ninova said during question time in Parliament on Friday. As a coalition partner, BSP for Bulgaria will not allow Bulgaria to be involved in the war through the supply of weapons, ammunition and dual use products and technologies, the BSP leader underscored.

Sofia, April 1

The Specialized Prosecution Office (SPO) is investigating three persons for espionage for Russia. The case was cracked thanks to the active work of the State Agency for National Security (SANS), and it involves a criminal offence against the Republic. In addition, Prosecutor General Ivan Geshev informs Foreign Minister Teodora Genchovska about actions taken after an investigation found data pointing to a possible crime committed by a representative of Russia's diplomatic mission in Sofia.