MPs postponed the vote on the reduction of subsidies for political parties

MPs on 21^st of June postponed the vote on the reduction of the subsidies for political parties. The main reason for this is the lack of a report by the Budget Committee in Parliament. Opposition Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) came out with special declarations.

A special declaration was also issued by GERB (the majority partner in the ruling coalition).

Yesterday, Parliament’s Budget Committee passed at second reading amendments to the State Budget Act, which provided for changing the state subsidy from BGN 11 to BGN 1 per valid vote, but also changed the way in which the political parties are funded. According to the changes, parties will be allowed to be financed by companies and the limit for support by individuals, which currently is 10,000 BGN, will be removed.

Yesterday, the United Patriots (a minority partner in the ruling coalition) stated that if the item is not removed from the agenda, they would not vote in plenary hall today.

In their declarations, MRF bound the new changes with the changes that they have proposed for reduction of the VAT on foods. They hinted that they may not support the reduction of the party subsidy unless their request is discussed.

The BSP called the changes "replacement of the political system".

GERB denied all allegations, explaining that the left-wing had no suggestions to be tabled for discussion.

The United Patriots insist that a coalition council be held to resolve the disputes between the ruling parties themselves.