Constitutional court initiated a case on GERB’s appeal about moratorium on government decisions

The Constitutional Court instituted a constitutional case at the request of 60 MPs, asking the court to establish if a decision of the National Assembly of 22 April, which imposed a moratorium on certain actions of the state bodies, was constitutional.

According to the court, an obligatory interpretation is needed on the issue: "Is it admissible by a decision of the National Assembly to temporarily suspend the implementation of the powers of the President and the executive, established by law, including when the Council of Ministers performs its functions under Art. 111, para 3 of the Constitution, other state bodies, established by the basic law and the judiciary? "

The rapporteur on the case is Judge Konstantin Penchev.

On April 22, lawmakers imposed a moratorium on concessions and appointments made by the outgoing government until the formation of a new government or the appointment of a caretaker government.

Bulgaria’s Parliament imposed moratorium on concessions and appointments by outgoing government

The focus was on the sale of state and municipal hospitals, as well as appointments in the state administration and enterprises with over 50% state participation.

The moratorium applies to decisions for award of concessions, issuing permits for exploration of subsoil resources; taking out new government debt; making changes in the management and control bodies of public companies, state-owned healthcare establishments or appointments in the state administration.

On April 26, GERB referred to the Constitutional Court, asking whether it is admissible for the National Assembly to subtract or constrain powers vested in the government and other state bodies performing a function under the Bulgarian Constitution.