site.btaEmployers: Foreign Agents Registration Bill Is Unconstitutional

The foreign agents registration bill is unconstitutional, constitutes special legislation and is in a violation of all international norms to which Bulgaria has signed, said on Thursday Evgeniy Ivanov, Executive Director of the Confederation of Industrialists and Employers in Bulgaria (CEIBG). He took part in a forum, "Business and Civil Society: Partners for a Better Environment", an initiative of 10 employers and business associations and as many NGOs.

“The bill is unnecessary, as there are enough laws that regulate the matter it deals with,” Ivanov said. “Bulgarian civil society is categorically against such a bill. Our opponent is well prepared and well funded, everything can be expected, but together we are stronger, he added. There is already talk of Operation Clean Hands and a crackdown on those who oppose this bill. Here is the fifth column with all its hybrid power and we are currently fighting for Bulgaria,” he said.

The bill is a shot at the foundations on which the European Union is built. The foreign agents registration bill is not an isolated act and aims to move countries away from their natural path towards democracy and the EU, participants in the forum said.

On the first day of the new National Assembly Vazrazhdane re-submitted the bill on the registration of foreign agents.

Its consideration will start only after the deputies manage to elect a chair - until then Parliament cannot start regular work. 

The bill provides for the withdrawal of civil rights of people and organizations that have received more than BGN 1,000 in foreign funding in a year. Such people will not be allowed to teach, carry out political activity and will be required to label themselves as foreign agents.

According to the sponsors, the aim of the bill is to ensure transparency and protection of Bulgaria's national interests.