Deadline Set for Key Legislation

The political landscape in Bulgaria is heating up as the opposition party, “We continue the change,” has issued a stark ultimatum to the current government. They are demanding the swift adoption of several critical laws mandated by the European Commission. These laws are essential for unlocking the second tranche of nearly BGN 1.2 billion in EU funds allocated to Bulgaria under the National Recovery and Sustainability Plan (NRSP).

Failure to meet this deadline, set for the end of June, will trigger a vote of no confidence against the government of Rosen Zhelyazkov, according to party leaders.

Billions at Stake: anti-Corruption Measures and Economic Stability

At the heart of the dispute are several key pieces of legislation, including measures to combat corruption, regulations for an anti-corruption committee, the Alert Act, and the Law on Personal Bankruptcy. The opposition argues that these laws are not merely bureaucratic hurdles but essential safeguards for Bulgaria’s economic future.

According to Kiril Petkov and Assen Vasilev, prominent figures within “We continue the change,” the stakes are incredibly high:

We must urgently adopt the laws for the second payment under the PV, the rules of the anti -corruption committee, the Alert Act, the Law on Personal Bankruptcy. Without these laws Bulgaria will lose billions of BGN, which are also set out in the budget adopted. If the laws are not accepted. The ruling majority puts at risk for both the money for the Bulgarians and the entry into the euro area.
Kiril Petkov and Assen Vasilev, “We continue the change“

the loss of these funds would not only impact the country’s budget but also jeopardize Bulgaria’s aspirations to join the Eurozone, a move seen as crucial for long-term economic stability.

Corruption Concerns and the Threat of a No-Confidence Vote

The opposition’s concerns extend beyond mere legislative delays. they allege that corruption continues to plague the government and that influential figures are manipulating the system for their own gain.These allegations are fueling the threat of a no-confidence vote.

The party has stated that if they observe continued corruption risks and perceive undue influence in government appointments, they will initiate a vote of no confidence immediately after a decision is reached regarding Bulgaria’s Eurozone entry.

If we see that these laws are not accepted that corruption risks are realized, that Peevski continues to rule in this government and all regulators are elected under his dictation, as early as the first day after the date we receive a decision on the euro area, we will initiate a vote of this government, for failure.
“We continue the change“

Eurozone Entry: A Matter of National Security?

The debate over EU funds and anti-corruption measures is intertwined with Bulgaria’s ambition to join the Eurozone. The opposition argues that Eurozone membership is not just an economic goal but a matter of national security.

They believe that integration into the Eurozone will provide greater stability, equality, and opportunities for businesses, and also strengthen the rule of law and institutions.

The euro area is no longer only a matter of economic prosperity, but also of national security. The only safe place in Bulgaria is in the heart of Europe-where there is greater equality, social policy, more opportunities for business, and justice through working laws and institutions.
“We continue the change“

Criticism of the National Budget and Fiscal Policy

The opposition has also launched a scathing critique of the recently adopted national budget, labeling it as fiscally irresponsible. They claim that the government is planning to borrow excessive amounts of money,diverting funds to state-owned companies without proper oversight or transparency.

According to their analysis, the government intends to borrow BGN 19 billion, significantly more than the BGN 12 billion initially projected. They allege that the additional BGN 7 billion will be used to prop up state-owned enterprises with little accountability.

Concerns Over State-Owned Postal Service and Electoral integrity

The opposition has also voiced concerns about the creation of a state-owned postal service, suggesting that it is indeed a thinly veiled attempt to maintain political patronage in smaller communities. They also raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.

They argue that the current Electoral Code is flawed and susceptible to manipulation, particularly with manual ballot counting. They are calling for improvements to the code to ensure fair and accurate elections.

The Constitutional Court clearly stated that the manual counting of the ballots allows for falsification of the voter vote. If you go to the next election with the same Electoral Code, the result might potentially be even more distorted with even greater abuses. We continue to work to accept a better election law.
“we continue the change“