Bulgaria elects new parliament speaker in strong vote

Bulgaria has elected a new Speaker of its National Assembly, with Mihaela Dotsova of the Progressive Bulgaria party taking the post following a parliamentary vote held on Thursday, April 30.

According to the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency (BTA), Dotsova secured strong backing in the 240-seat legislature, receiving 188 votes in favour, while 49 lawmakers abstained.

Her party, part of the Progressive Bulgaria coalition led by former president Rumen Radev, emerged as the largest parliamentary force in the April 19 elections, winning 131 seats, according to final results from the Central Election Commission.

Born in 1984, Dotsova is a trained lawyer with professional experience in public administration and legislative affairs.

Following her election, she said the new parliament should restore best practices in lawmaking and prioritise long-term solutions over short-term political expediency.

The first session of the newly elected parliament was attended by President Iliyana Yotova. The head of state is expected to task the largest parliamentary force with forming a government, which will then require approval by a simple majority in parliament.

By Tamilla Hasanova