Central European Midday Report: "Challenges and Progress in Eastern European Governance and Social Assistance"

Political Turmoil Unfolds in Bulgaria: Vice President Iliana Iotova has raised concerns over recent developments in Bulgaria's caretaker government, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. The proposed replacement of caretaker Foreign Minister Stefan Dimitrov with GERB Deputy Floor Leader Daniel Mitov has sparked controversy, with Iotova insisting that Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev owes the Bulgarian citizens detailed explanations. Iotova highlighted the complexity of the situation, stressing that the responsibility extends to all Bulgarian citizens.

She questioned the sudden change in Glavchev's stance and called for clarity on whether the caretaker cabinet truly remains independent or is influenced by partisan interests. President Rumen Radev will ultimately decide whether to approve the proposed rotation, further intensifying the political uncertainty gripping the nation.

UNICEF Donation Bolsters Social Assistance Infrastructure in Moldova: In a significant boost to Moldova's social assistance sector, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection has received a generous donation of IT equipment from UNICEF Moldova, supported financially by the Government of Great Britain. The donation, totaling $1.410 million, includes 1,347 desktop computers and 579 laptops. These technological resources will be distributed to Social Assistance Agencies and Territorial Social Assistance Structures across the country, enabling frontline workers to enhance service delivery to vulnerable populations.

Minister Alexei Buzu emphasized the vital role of IT in effective intervention and thanked UNICEF for their ongoing support. The equipment will empower social workers and specialists in child rights protection to digitize services, improve governance, and ensure equitable access to quality social services as part of the "Restart" reform initiative. UNICEF Representative in Moldova, Maha Damaj, reiterated the organization's commitment to strengthening the social protection system and supporting frontline workers in addressing the needs of vulnerable groups, including refugees.