Ivaylo Mirchev

The "Yes, Bulgaria!" party is focusing on developing a strategy for participating in the upcoming elections for the 51st National Assembly. The party's National Council, in a resolution issued on August 18, 2024, has directed the Executive Board to formulate and present a plan aimed at consolidating the pro-European and pro-reform vote within the center-right spectrum.

President Rumen Radev, after awaiting the official decision designating him as leader of Bulgaria's delegation to the upcoming NATO summit in July, has declined the role. The decision comes in light of disagreements with certain state positions adopted by the Council of Ministers, which formulates the country's foreign policy according to the constitution.

In order to counter Russian influence in Bulgaria, a group of fifteen MPs, including prominent figures such as Nadezhda Yordanova and Ivaylo Mirchev, has submitted a draft law to the National Assembly. This proposed legislation seeks to enable the implementation of international restrictive measures within Bulgarian borders, addressing a critical gap in the country's legal framework.

As Bulgaria prepares for a cabinet rotation, Defense Minister Todor Tagarev finds himself under mounting criticism for delays in providing crucial military aid to Ukraine.

Russia has issued a stern warning in response to Bulgaria's recent legislative efforts aimed at seizing Russian real estate. Deputy Secretary of the Russian Security Council, Nail Mukhitov, declared in an interview with TASS that Russia will not tolerate such actions and vows to respond.

A proposed bill by Bulgarian MPs Ivaylo Mirchev and Nadezhda Yordanova, representing the political party "We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria" (WCC-DB), seeks to freeze Russian properties owned by sanctioned individuals.

In a recent Facebook post, Ivaylo Mirchev, an MP from "We Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria," raised suspicions about President Rumen Radev's alleged sabotage of Bulgaria's Eurozone aspirations. The suspicion stemmed from a notable discrepancy in the 2023 budget deficit figures, indicating deliberate obstruction.

With the upcoming changes to the Constitution and the limitation of the uncontrollable presidential power through the caretaker government, Bulgaria will come closer to a true parliamentary republic.

The National Assembly has enacted changes exempting "Bulgartransgaz" from collecting a new fee imposed on "Gazprom" for gas transit through the Turkish Stream pipeline. The decision, backed by several parties, including WCC-DB, GERB, and DPS, was passed in two readings. Notably, members from "There Is Such a People" also voted in favor, while "Vazrazhdane" opposed, and BSP abstained.

In response to concerns about potential attacks on Bulgarian armament facilities amid the Ukraine conflict, Defense Minister Todor Tagarev reassures the public of reinforced security measures. Minister Tagarev highlights the intensified physical protection of military depots and munition storage locations due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.