Bulgarian MPs Face Immunity Challenges amidst Multiple Investigations
Table of Contents
A major political storm is brewing in Bulgaria as the country’s chief prosecutor has requested the lifting of parliamentary immunity for six Members of Parliament (mps), each facing separate criminal investigations. The move, submitted to the 51st National Assembly, has ignited a fierce debate about the balance between legislative privilege and accountability.
The implicated MPs represent a cross-section of Bulgarian political parties, including MECH, Vazrazhdane, PP-DB, and DPS. The allegations against them are serious and varied, ranging from coercion and hooliganism to potentially fraudulent activities during recent elections.
The Cases Against the Accused MPs
Radostin Vassilev (MECH) faces charges of coercion stemming from a 2023 case currently stalled due to his immunity. The Sofia City Court halted proceedings in November 2023, citing his parliamentary protection. Similarly, Veselin Veshev and Angel Georgiev (vazrazhdane) are accused of hooliganism and assaulting police officers in a 2021 incident. Thier case, also before the Sofia District Court, was suspended in July 2023 for the same reason.
Lena Borislavova (PP-DB) is under examination for allegedly using falsified documents. “It was found that in the period from about 01:55 on May 13, 2021, until about 11:45 a.m. on May 14, 2021, in the conditions of a continuing crime, with two acts, Borislavova knowingly took advantage of false private documents,” according to the prosecutor’s Office. The alleged falsification aimed to show the termination of a legal relationship between a political associate and an organization.
Gunai Daloolu (DPS- A New Beginning) is accused of coercion related to securing votes in the 49th National Assembly elections. Prosecutors allege that threats were used in Veliko Tarnovo to obtain 20 preferential votes. mario Rangelov (DPS) faces charges of crimes against the political rights of citizens. The Prosecutor’s Office states that he “formed and led a group that aimed to commit the crime in question,” allegedly organizing the distribution of bribes to influence voters during the last early parliamentary elections. The investigation alleges that “the giving of property benefit in the amount of BGN 15,000 each” was organized, with a portion intended for individual voters.
the requests to lift immunity highlight a critical juncture in Bulgarian politics, raising questions about the effectiveness of parliamentary safeguards and the need for openness and accountability in government. The outcome of these cases will undoubtedly have meaningful implications for the political landscape of Bulgaria.
Editor: Margarita Stoyancheva
Bulgarian Parliamentary Immunity Challenged as MPs Face Serious Charges
Amidst growing concerns about political accountability in Bulgaria, the nation’s chief prosecutor is seeking to lift the parliamentary immunity of six Members of Parliament (MPs). These MPs, representing a range of political parties, face accusations ranging from coercion and hooliganism to election-related fraud. This move has ignited a heated debate about the delicate balance between legislative privilege and the pursuit of justice.
World-Today-News.com Senior Editor Margarita Stoyancheva sat down with Dr. Ivailo Ivanov, a prominent political science professor at Sofia University, to discuss the implications of these cases and their potential impact on Bulgarian politics.
Margarita Stoyancheva: Dr. Ivanov, thank you for joining us. These are serious allegations against sitting parliamentarians. Can you paint a clearer picture of the specific charges against each MP?
Dr. Ivailo Ivanov: Certainly. We have a diverse range of accusations here. Radostin Vassilev of MECH faces coercion charges stemming from a 2023 incident, while Veselin Veshev and Angel Georgiev of Vazrazhdane are accused of hooliganism and assaulting police officers in 2021.
Lena Borislavova of PP-DB is under investigation for allegedly using forged documents, potentially to misrepresent a legal relationship. Then there are the allegations of vote coercion and bribery against gunai Daloolu of DPS- A New Beginning and Mario Rangelov of DPS related to the 49th National Assembly elections.
Margarita Stoyancheva: These cases have sparked a importent public debate about parliamentary immunity. What is the purpose of this legal protection, and when is it appropriate to lift it?
Dr. Ivailo Ivanov: parliamentary immunity is a essential principle intended to shield lawmakers from undue pressure and intimidation,allowing them to perform their duties freely and independently. However, it’s not an absolute shield.when credible accusations of serious criminal activity arise, lifting immunity becomes necessary to ensure equal treatment under the law and maintain public trust in the justice system.
Margarita Stoyancheva: This situation has the potential to considerably impact the Bulgarian political landscape. How do you anticipate these cases unfolding, and what are the potential consequences for the involved parties and Bulgarian politics as a whole?
Dr. Ivailo Ivanov: These cases are highly sensitive and complex. Their outcomes will undoubtedly be scrutinized closely. Depending on the judicial proceedings and their verdicts, we may see resignations, political realignments, and even changes in public perception of certain parties. It’s a crucial moment for Bulgaria, testing the strength of its institutions and its commitment to upholding the rule of law.
Margarita Stoyancheva: Dr. Ivanov, thank you for your insightful analysis. We appreciate you shedding light on these significant developments.
