National Assembly of Bulgaria
The National Assembly serves as the legislative heart of Bulgaria, operating under the framework of the national Constitution (Articles 62 to 91). As a multi-party system, it ensures that various political perspectives are represented in the governance of the state, managing everything from the enactment of laws to the oversight of the national budget.
Key Facts
- Composition: 240 members elected for four-year terms.
- Election Method: Proportional representation in multi-seat constituencies.
- Entry Threshold: Political parties must secure at least 4% of the national vote.
- Eligibility: Bulgarian citizens aged 21+ who are not interdicted or serving custodial sentences.
- Residency: Dual nationals must reside in Bulgaria for 18 months prior to election.
Powers and Responsibilities
The National Assembly holds extensive authority over the legal and executive functions of the country. Its primary duties include the enactment of laws, approval of the state budget, and the ratification of international treaties and agreements.
Beyond legislation, the Assembly manages critical state affairs such as:
- Scheduling presidential elections.
- Selecting and dismissing the Prime Minister and other ministers.
- Declaring war, concluding peace, and deploying troops outside Bulgaria.
- Declaring a state of war or emergency upon the proposal of the Cabinet or President.
- Granting amnesty.
Additionally, the Assembly is responsible for the administration of the State Gazette, which serves as Bulgaria's official gazette of record.
Parliamentary Procedure
The inauguration of the National Assembly is led by the eldest attending elected member. This initial session is dedicated to electing the Speaker (Chairperson) and Deputy speakers, forming parliamentary groups, and appointing the Assembly's secretaries.
Notably, the Speakers retain their party allegiances, allowing them to continue participating in debates and voting as Members of Parliament (MPs).
For a session to officially commence, a quorum of more than 121 MPs must be present. Most points of order or bills require a simple majority (50% + 1 of those present) for approval, unless a specific matter mandates a different majority threshold.
The standard schedule sees Parliament sitting from Wednesday to Friday, starting at 9 am, with parliamentary committees convening in the afternoons.
Electing the Government
The process of forming a government begins once parliamentary groups are established and a majority is secured. The President of the Republic initiates consultations with these groups to determine the leadership.
According to Article 99 of the Constitution, the mandate process follows a specific order:
- First Mandate: Given to the candidate for Prime Minister from the largest parliamentary group.
- Second Mandate: If the first candidate fails to propose a government within 7 days, the mandate moves to the second largest group.
- Third Mandate: If the second attempt fails, the President grants a final mandate to a candidate from another parliamentary group.
Once a mandate is delivered and signed by the President, the National Assembly must vote to elect the government, requiring more than 121 "for" votes.
Ministers can be chosen from within the Assembly or from external experts. If an MP is appointed as a Cabinet minister, they lose their MP status, and the next candidate on their party's constituency list takes their place.
Parliamentary Layout and Venues
Bulgaria utilizes two primary locations for its legislative sessions, each with distinct architectural and functional layouts.
Old Parliament House
The Old Parliament House features a Chamber with 286 seats arranged in a 26 x 11 grid, all facing a 5-seat speaker's bench. A pulpit and stenographers' desk are positioned in front of the Speaker.
Seating generally follows political alignment, with the political left sitting to the Speaker's left and the political right to the right. A reserved section of 17 seats is provided for the Cabinet. While the building was used primarily for special occasions between 2020 and 2021, the legislature returned here following the April 2021 elections.
Largo Parliament House
Located in the former Bulgarian Communist Party headquarters, this venue features a hemicycle of 270 seats across twelve rows facing a 7-seat speaker's bench. The pulpit includes a central stenographer's desk and two 13-seat sections for the Cabinet.
This hall is situated under a glass roof and is designed to be remodeled to accommodate the 400-member Grand National Assembly. After a brief period of use in 2020-2021 and a subsequent return to the old building, the 49th National Assembly decided in 2023 to move sessions back to the Largo building, where they continue to meet.
| Feature | Old Parliament House | Largo Parliament House |
|---|---|---|
| Total Seats | 286 | 270 |
| Speaker's Bench | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Cabinet Seating | 17 seats | 26 seats (two sections of 13) |
| Layout Style | 26 x 11 Grid | Hemicycle (12 rows) |
| Special Capability | Traditional venue | Expandable for Grand National Assembly (400 members) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum vote percentage for a party to enter the National Assembly?
A political party must garner a minimum of 4% of the national vote to be eligible for entry into the Assembly.
How many members are required for a parliamentary session to begin?
A quorum of more than 121 MPs must be present for any session to commence.
What happens to an MP who is appointed as a Cabinet minister?
Any MP selected to be a Cabinet minister loses their status as an MP, and their seat is filled by the next candidate from their party's constituency list.
Who presides over the election of the Speaker during the first sitting?
The eldest attending elected member of Parliament inaugurates the Assembly and presides over the election of the Speaker and Deputy speakers.
Where does the National Assembly currently meet?
Following a decision by the 49th National Assembly in 2023, sessions are held in the former Party House building located in the Largo.