National Assembly

Mariya Gabriel has officially declared her withdrawal from participating in the parliamentary procedure for selecting a prime minister and proposing a government structure. The announcement was made through an application submitted to the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Parliamentary Group of GERB, signaling a pivotal moment in the ongoing negotiations for government formation.

The "Vazrazhdane" (Revival) party has made a bold move by submitting a bill to the National Assembly calling for Bulgaria's exit from NATO. This nationalist and pro-Russian party argues that NATO membership poses a threat to Bulgaria's national security, echoing Kremlin propaganda narratives.

In a session held on Wednesday, the Council of Ministers has given its seal of approval to the eagerly anticipated Report on the State of Defence and the Armed Forces for the year 2023. Its imminent submission to the National Assembly heralds a new chapter in the scrutiny and advancement of Bulgaria's Armed Forces.

President Rumen Radev has officially endorsed the recommendation for the 49th National Assembly to elect GERB's candidate as Prime Minister. However, the proposed cabinet put forward by Prime Minister-designate Mariya Gabriel has stirred significant discord within the political landscape.

Today, Mariya Gabriel, the nominee for Prime Minister, fulfilled her mandate by presenting President Rumen Radev with a completed folder at 4:15 p.m. today, outlining the draft composition of the Council of Ministers.

As Mariya Gabriel accepted the mandate from President Rumen Radev on Monday, the clock started ticking for her to present a cabinet or return the mandate with or without the names of future ministers. Although the law allows for a week-long deadline, the "We Continue the Change" (WCC-DB) and GERB groups have decided to provide an answer within 24 hours.

In a significant development this morning, insider sources revealed that negotiators from the GERB and "We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria" (WCC-DB) parties have unofficially reached an agreement on forming a cabinet within the 49th National Assembly, according to reports from BNR.

BELGRADE - The deputy president of the Head Committee of Serbia's ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) Vladimir Orlic said on Thursday consultations between political groups in the new national parliament had been completed successfully and that nine groups that had accepted an invitation to consultations would propose that the parliament have six deputy speakers.

The Bulgarian government has endorsed changes to the Insurance Code today, suggesting that drivers who cause more accidents should face higher premiums for compulsory third-party insurance.

In response to the deteriorating conditions at the refugee accommodation center in Sofia's "Ovcha Kupel" district, the State Agency for Refugees under the Council of Ministers has announced a phased redistribution plan.