New speaker finally elected
Rosen Zhelyazkov was elected as speaker of Bulgaria's parliament after protracted negotiations among the parties. The vote was necessary to ensure the smooth functioning of the legislative body.
MPs from GERB, the coalition WCC-DB and TSP voted in support, while Vazrazhdane, DPS and BSP abstained from voting.
The second candidate, Petar Petrov, won only 36 votes, all from his party Vazrazhdane.
Inflation down slightly
Inflation slowed to 14% in March due to a drop in overall food and fuel prices. The decline from February, when inflation was recorded at 16%, is the sharpest since inflation passed its peak late last year and began to gradually slow down.
In March, compared to February, consumer prices increased by another 0.5%. This is the lowest monthly growth for the last 18 months. Some of the increase is due to transport insurance (by 41%). Food also continues to rise, up nearly 1% from the previous month, led by fruits and vegetables, ice cream and eggs. There is also a drop in transport prices due to a 10% fall in methane prices compared to February, as well as in utilities, due to nearly 11% lower domestic gas prices.
EC takes Bulgaria to court
The European Commission announced today that it is starting a court procedure against Bulgaria over three separate cases: flouting the rules for green public vehicles, not complying with the electronic toll service system and for the marketing of natural mineral and spring water bottles consumption.
Brussels has decided to file a claim against Bulgaria in the Court of the European Union because the authorities in Sofia have not transposed the necessary directives within national laws and regulations
New speaker finally elected
Rosen Zhelyazkov was elected as speaker of Bulgaria's parliament after protracted negotiations among the parties. The vote was necessary to ensure the smooth functioning of the legislative body.
