Bulgaria’s Parliament Rejected Presidential Veto on Changes to Defence Act

The ruling majority in Bulgaria’s Parliament on 19^th of October rejected The President’s veto imposed on the bill to amend the Defence and Armed Forces Act. After the discussion, the veto was accepted at the initial vote. However, the majority partner in the ruling coalition GERB requested a re-vote because not all MPs were able to vote and in the second vote the veto was rejected.

President Roumen Radev imposed a veto at the beginning of the month He did not agree with the introduction of the increased requirements for the post of "Permanent Secretary of Defence". According to him, the new amedments may create conditions for discrimination. The position of the President was supported by the left-wing. GERB and the United Patriots argued that the introduction of these requirements would bring order in the appointments.

The President also disagreed with the text, which provided for senior military personnel to be presented to the National Assembly’s Defense Committee after they were appointed by a President’s decree. According to the opposition BBulgarian Socialist Party, this is a complete absurdity and interference in the work of the army. GERB underlined that the purpose of this procedure is for MPs, who determine the budget of the army, to hear the problems of the senior military.