The National Assembly passed changes to the Law on the State Agency for National Security (SANS) at first and second readings. According to the amendments, the chairman of the State Agency for National Security will be elected by Parliament upon proposal from the government, instead of being appointed by a presidential decree.

The changes were submitted by MPs from GERB-SDS, the Bulgarian Socialist Party and There Is Such a People. 120 MPs voted in favor, including members of DPS – New Beginning and former members of the Alliance for Rights and Freedoms. 67 MPs voted against and 2 MPs abstained.

The election by parliament of the chairs of the State Intelligence Agency and the State Agency Technical Operations was also approved at first reading.

The opposition voiced concerns about political control over the security services. Vazrazhdane and the We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria coalition declared the amendments unconstitutional.

''Bulgarians should react because this is a blow to democracy with long-term negative consequences'', said President Rumen Radev and dismissed claims that he is preparing to create his own political party.

Published and translated by Kostadin Atanasov

Photo: BTA