SOFIA, June 20, 2024 — After a tumultuous session filled with procedural wrangling and strategic delays, Raya Nazaryan has been elected as the Speaker of Bulgaria’s 50th National Assembly.
The culmination of intense negotiations spanning two days saw Nazaryan, backed by GERB, DPS, and “There Is Such a People” (TISP), secure 131 votes in her favor.
The session, which resumed today following a failed attempt yesterday, was characterized by frequent interruptions and debates over election rules.
Silvi Kirilov of TISP initially proposed a vote on the rules, prompting objections from Hamid Hamid of DPS, who argued that the matter had already been decided upon the previous day. Kirilov defended his proposal, citing legal consultations conducted earlier that morning.
Amidst the procedural standoff, requests for breaks further complicated proceedings. The Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS) called for a 30-minute break to clarify the rules, which was followed by another break initiated by GERB as they sought additional support for Nazaryan’s candidacy.
Despite a request for a longer break, only 25 minutes were granted by the chairman before nominations resumed. During the nomination phase, tensions remained high as different factions within the assembly put forward their candidates.
Temenuzka Petkova of GERB re-nominated Raya Nazaryan, while “Revival” reaffirmed their support for Petar Petrov. Toshko Yordanov nominated Silvi Kirilov amidst assurances that TISP would support all candidates.
The party “Greatness” also introduced Victoria Vasileva as an alternative candidate, emphasizing a stance distinct from mainstream alliances.
Victoria Vasileva, supported by her party and one TISP deputy, secured 13 votes. Petar Petrov garnered 54 votes, while Silvi Kirilov received backing solely from TISP and one “Revival” deputy.
Ultimately, Raya Nazaryan emerged victorious with a significant majority of 131 votes, overcoming 66 votes against her and 39 abstentions.
Looking ahead, the agenda now shifts to the election of vice-speakers (chairmen) of the 50th National Assembly as political maneuvering continues to shape Bulgaria’s legislative landscape.
The election of Nazaryan marks a crucial development amidst ongoing discussions about future governmental formations and policy priorities.
The session’s proceedings underscore the delicate balance of power within Bulgaria’s political arena, where coalition dynamics and strategic alliances play a pivotal role in shaping parliamentary outcomes.
As Bulgaria navigates these political waters, the election of Raya Nazaryan as Speaker sets the stage for further debates and decisions crucial to the nation’s governance.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members