Friday was relatively calm after a week of big news - Russia stopped its gas supplies to Bulgaria, PM Kiril Petkov and the Bulgarian delegation went to Kyiv. But some looming challenges are expected to play out next week. One example is the future of the ruling coalition after the conflict between the Bulgarian Socialist Party and the other three formations on the issue of military aid to Ukraine.
PM Petkov: Ukraine is ready to supply Bulgaria with cheap electricity
During his visit to Kyiv, Prime Minister Kirill Petkov discussed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky the possibility of Ukraine selling electricity at low prices to Bulgaria.
Petkov said that Ukraine would send experts to Sofia next week to discuss with Bulgarian authorities whether and how it will be technically possible to supply electricity.
Ninova: BSP threatens to leave coalition if Council of Ministers votes for military help to Ukraine
The Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) will leave the coalition if the Council of Ministers decides to export weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, said Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Kornelia Ninova during a visit to the village of Parvenets. She added, however, that she did not expect a new election, "especially in this situation". Next week, parliament is expected to vote on whether Bulgaria should send military help to Ukraine. In reality, the government could only approve sending weapons once Parliament has decided to.
Bulgaria's population was 6.8 million people in 2021
The country's population at the end of 2021 was 6,838,937 people, according to current demographic figures from the National Statistical Institute. Compared to 2020, the population decreased by 77,611 people, or by 1.1%, according to the NSI. "The population number and structures by the end of the year are calculated based on the population data for the preceding year and data on the population natural and migration movement during the reference year," says NSI in its press release. Deaths in 2021 totaled 148 995 which is an increase of 24 260 on 2020.
Friday was relatively calm after a week of big news - Russia stopped its gas supplies to Bulgaria, PM Kiril Petkov and the Bulgarian delegation went to Kyiv. But some looming challenges are expected to play out next week. One example is the future of the ruling coalition after the conflict between the Bulgarian Socialist Party and the other three formations on the issue of military aid to Ukraine.