Borissov declines leadership talks with WCC-DB
GERB leader Boiko Borissov has refused to hold a leadership meeting with We Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria (WCC-DB), citing no readiness for forming a parliamentary majority or electing a Speaker of the National Assembly based on their recent positions.
The decision to decline a meeting with the coalition was reached today by the Executive Committee of GERB, announced party Deputy Chairperson Daniel Mitov. He reaffirmed GERB's stance that leadership negotiations will only take place if they aim to form a governing majority and a regular government, and with Borissov as Prime Minister.
Curiously, on Friday, following the National Assembly session, GERB had extended an invitation for a meeting with WCC-DB. Borissov even went as far as to make clear that he personally called co-chair Atanas Atanasov and MP Ivaylo Mirchev on Thursday to discuss a potential compromise regarding the parliamentary speaker. Yet none of this readiness was demonstrated today, which suggests parliament will continue to be in a rut again this week.
Marches against violence toward women nationwide
Amidst news that domestic violence towards Bulgarian women has increased by 130% this year, protest marches were held today in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Stara Zagora and Gabrovo.
The organizers are calling for changes to the Domestic Violence Protection Act, an end to institutional violence against LGBTQ+ people, more crisis centers across the country, the introduction of definitions for femicide and gender-based violence in the Penal Code, as well as greater public awareness and prevention of violence.
Za Zemyata: Air pollution in Sofia increases
A new interim report by the eco-association Za Zemyata reviews air pollution data in Sofia over the last three years, highlighting a worsening problem with nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
Recent measurements from November 2023 to February 2024 indicate that NO2 concentrations exceeded the annual limit of 40 µg/m³ in 34 out of 36 monitored locations in the capital every single month. The data shows an increase in pollution compared to 2021 and 2022, years that already recorded values above legal norms. Unhealthily high NO2 levels are found not only near busy streets and boulevards but also in residential areas, office districts, major public transport stops, and schools.
The primary source of these emissions is internal combustion vehicles, especially diesel engines.
Borissov declines leadership talks with WCC-DB
GERB leader Boiko Borissov has refused to hold a leadership meeting with We Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria (WCC-DB), citing no readiness for forming a parliamentary majority or electing a Speaker of the National Assembly based on their recent positions.
