President Rumen Radev Urges Bulgarian Parliament to Focus on State Budget Amid Political Challenges

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev announced plans to begin consultations with political parties on Tuesday. Speaking in Paris, where he attended the reopening of the restored Notre-Dame Cathedral at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, Radev emphasized the urgent need for Parliament to fulfill its legislative duties.

Radev stressed that the adoption of the state budget for next year is a top priority, urging Members of Parliament (MPs) to pass it by the end of the year. "Local authorities and citizens expect this budget to be finalized promptly," he said, CE Report quotes BTA

The president congratulated the National Assembly on electing a new leader, highlighting the pressing need for MPs to recover lost time and initiate the budget approval process.

Responding to speculation about Nataliya Kiselova potentially serving as a caretaker prime minister, Radev described her as a skilled constitutional expert with extensive experience in state institution interaction. However, he dismissed speculation, stating, "Consultations will determine whether there is potential for forming a regular government. Only then can the option of a caretaker government be discussed."

Acknowledging the difficulties in electing the parliament chair, Radev called for intensive dialogue and negotiations between parties to resolve the current political impasse. He noted that the focus must remain on adopting the state budget, with other issues, such as the election of a Prosecutor General, not currently on the agenda.

The president's remarks reflect ongoing challenges in Bulgaria's political system, with the formation of a regular government hanging in the balance.