Bulgaria: Protest in Front of Parliament Building Staged amid New MPs’ Swearing-in Ceremony

Protesters gathered in front of the old parliament building with the inscription "Unity Makes Strength", where the solemn opening session of the newly elected 45th National Assembly begins. They demanded that parliament dissolve itself, new elections and a caretaker government.

People are also demanding a full investigation of the GERB governments. Police presence in the area has been stepped up.

At the solemn sitting, The Head of State Rumen Radev addressed the people and the Members of the National Assembly, and the six political forces  presented their priorities.

The first meeting was opened by the oldest MP - Mika Zaykova, MP of Slavi Trifonov's party There Is Such a People.She has been a longtime economic adviser in the Podkrepa Labour Confederation and is the doyen of the current parliament at the age of 79.She said:

"So, ladies and gentlemen, the relentless course of time and date in my birth certificate have given me the privilege of opening the 45th National Assembly, for which I am very happy and hope to be a harbinger of good news."

 "We here can really do something very important. Although we are different, even though we have different political beliefs, I think we have a common goal, and this is the prosperity of Bulgaria and its worthy place in the European family. And I am sure, ladies and gentlemen, that each of you will give the best of your knowledge and skills in order to achieve this goal", Mika Zaykova said further.

During today's session, the President and Vice-Presidents of parliament will be elected. For now, it is clear that GERB will propose Tsveta Karayancheva, and according to unofficial information - the candidate for president of parliament of the second largest political force There Is Such...