site.btaNew Bulgarian Parliament: Democratic Bulgaria Prioritizes Preparation for Next Covid Wave, Recovery Plan and Health Reform

Sofia, July 21 (BTA) - Addressing the new Bulgarian Parliament
during its inaugural meeting Wednesday, Hristo Ivanov of the
Democratic Bulgaria said that Bulgaria is in a crisis and his
group believes that Parliament should start immediately work to
prepare the country for the next COVID wave, the National
Recovery and Resilience Plan, and "a budget of change".

He pointed out the absence of Prosecutor General Ivan Geshev
from Parliament's inaugural sitting and said he "lacks the
courage to show up here" which "hopefully indicates that he is
preparing to step down".

Democratic Bulgaria has been consistently and openly against
this Prosecutor General.

Ivanov said that corruption undermines Bulgaria's sovereignty.
He recalled the visits to Turkey of the leaders of GERB and the
Movement for Rights and Freedoms, and said that, too, was a
signed of a shaken sovereignty. "We need to start strengthening
our sovereignty and reclaim our republic."

"No modifiers such as parties of the protest or parties of the
change carry meaning if they do are not backed by concrete
steps," Ivanov said.

Democratic Bulgaria will initiate a debate for "a bold judicial
and constitutional reform" where all parliamentary forces will
be invited to present their visions on the topic.

Ivanov also stressed that Parliament is to defend the Bulgarian
national interest and show firmness but also bravery and resolve
 the outstanding issues with the Republic of North Macedonia.

Democratic Bulgaria has 34 MPs and is the fourth largest group
in the 240-seat legislature. BR/LN