Martin Dimitrov

MEP Radan Kanev raised concerns over growing tension in Brussels following Bulgaria's cancellation of a public procurement for border technical equipment. He warned that this could jeopardize the country's chances of joining the land-based Schengen area.

The right-wing party "Revival" (Vazrazhdane) has once again failed in its attempt to initiate a referendum aimed at preserving the Bulgarian lev. The proposal for a national poll asking, "Do you agree that the Bulgarian lev should be the only official currency in Bulgaria until 2043?" was rejected.

The Budget Committee has approved both bills submitted by the Council of Ministers for the introduction of the euro and the Law on Credit Institutions. To address the unstable political situation and the risk of early elections, the committee decided to grant a mandate to the Ministry of Finance.

In a recent development at the National Assembly, MPs from "We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria" (WCC-DB) and members of the budget committee addressed concerns raised by former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov regarding Bulgaria's fiscal reserve. The accusations of fake news and populism were vehemently denied by WCC-DB representatives.

"We Continue the Change" (WCC) and "Democratic Bulgaria" (DB) accused the other 5 parliamentary represented formations of a conspiracy against the admission of Bulgaria to the Eurozone and the implementation of the justice reform.

Hundreds gathered at a protest at "Dondukov 2" street against President Rumen Radev and his caretaker government.

The Parliament changed the threshold for mandatory VAT registration from 50,000 to 100,000 BGN (51,000 EUR) turnover. The amendment was accepted at first reading.

Economist and member of Democratic Bulgaria Martin Dimitrov predict that the European Commission may not allow the implementation of the Belene NPP project. In a position circulated to the media, he said he expects "particular rigor and attention from the EC, which has yet to initiate a" notification "procedure.

In January this year, Defence Minister Krasimir Karakachanov announced the army was short 5,500 people. According to the 2018 Defence report, the professional armed forces are 20 per cent understaffed, while the voluntary reserve is staggeringly 83 per cent understaffed.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in the small town that will host a liturgy by the Pontiff. Photo: Martin Dimitrov/BIRN.

Anticipating a very important guest:

At least 1,000 people flocked to the church for the Easter liturgy - but that is nothing compared to what will happen in a fortnight, when the church will host none other than Pope Francis himself.