Bulgaria's parliament stripped President Rumen Radev of his authority to appoint heads of the National Security Agency and other special units on Thursday. The ruling majority pushed through the changes, and lawmakers transferred appointment powers to the National Assembly, which will select leaders by simple majority vote. The coalition argued that security services have operated without leadership for extended periods, but opposition members warned the move could allow political interference in these agencies.
GERB leader Boyko Borisov defended the changes, stating that the security services need stable leadership during periods of global instability. PP-DB's Bozhidar Bozhanov opposed the legislation, accusing the government of attempting to install an ally of Delyan Peevski as National Security Agency chief. Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov rejected the proposal, stating that the changes would diminish the presidency. DPS-New Beginning's Peevski accused Radev of forming a political party within the presidential office.
GERB leader Boyko Borisov defended the changes, stating that the security services need stable leadership during periods of global instability. PP-DB's Bozhidar Bozhanov opposed the legislation, accusing the government of attempting to install an ally of Delyan Peevski as National Security Agency chief. Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov rejected the proposal, stating that the changes would diminish the presidency. DPS-New Beginning's Peevski accused Radev of forming a political party within the presidential office.
