Table of Contents
- 0.1 In his reasons, the head of state emphasizes his consistent positions, justifying the need for a re-referral to the Constitutional Court and the emergence of a number of new circumstances that appeared during the application of the disputed texts.
- 0.2 Even now, part of the difficulties in the election of the Speaker of the National Assembly are an expression of the presence of this high office in the so-called “home book” for the election of an acting prime minister.
- 1 What role do you see for civil society in the constitutional reform process? How can citizen engagement be fostered to ensure that the amendments are reflective of the public’s needs and concerns?
Today, President Rumen Radev again appealed to the Constitutional Court with a request to declare unconstitutional the changes in the Constitution made by the 49th National Assembly, related to the abolition of the ban on dual citizenship as a mandatory condition for the election of people’s representatives, for the thoughtlessly introduced principle of continuity of the mandate of the deputies and the parliament, as well as regarding the formation of a caretaker government.
In his reasons, the head of state emphasizes his consistent positions, justifying the need for a re-referral to the Constitutional Court and the emergence of a number of new circumstances that appeared during the application of the disputed texts.
The attacked changes in the Constitution “cancel the mechanisms for bearing political responsibility in the formation and functioning of the state government bodies”, the president states in his reasons.
In his request to the Constitutional Court, the head of state notes that the re-referral will provide an opportunity to clarify a number of controversial issues that have already marked the procedures for forming an interim government under the new order and which continue to hinder the functioning of constitutionally established bodies, including the parliament.
Even now, part of the difficulties in the election of the Speaker of the National Assembly are an expression of the presence of this high office in the so-called “home book” for the election of an acting prime minister.
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What role do you see for civil society in the constitutional reform process? How can citizen engagement be fostered to ensure that the amendments are reflective of the public’s needs and concerns?
Section I: Constitutional Amendments and the Referral Process
1. Can you provide a brief overview of the amendments made to the Bulgarian Constitution that President Rumen Radev is referring to the Constitutional Court for review? What is your assessment of their potential impact on the political landscape of the country?
2. As the President, why did you decide to refer these amendments to the Constitutional Court? What substantial new circumstances have emerged since their adoption that justify this re-referral?
3. How do you think the Constitutional Court will interpret the President’s argument about the cancellation of political responsibility in the formation and functioning of state government bodies? Do you believe that the text of the amendments supports this interpretation?
4. Some critics argue that re-referral of the amendments risks undermining the legitimacy of the political process in Bulgaria. How do you respond to such claims? Do you believe the benefits of constitutional clarity outweigh any potential costs?
Section II: The Role of the Caretaker Government and the Election of Parliamentary Speaker
5. How do you understand the role of the caretaker government under the new Constitutional order, and how does the re-referral of the amendments affect this understanding? What kind of challenges do you foresee in implementing the provisions relating to the caretaker government?
6. The election of the Speaker of the National Assembly has been marked by controversy. Can you explain the specific issues that have arisen and how they relate to the Constitutional amendments under review? Do you think the current situation justifies a re-referral?
7. How can the Parliament function effectively in the face of these challenges, and what measures can be taken to ensure a smooth transition to a stable government? Do you support any particular proposals for reforming the Speaker election process or addressing other issues related to the caretaker government?
Section III: Political Stability and Constitutional Reform
8. Many Bulgarians are concerned about the political instability that has plagued the country in recent years. Do you think the amendments under review will contribute to a more stable political environment? Why or why not?
9. As President, what is your vision for constitutional reform in Bulgaria? Are
