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The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the rule of law in Bulgaria. MEPs voted 358 in favor, 277 against and 56 abstentions.
The European Parliament rejected the amendments to the resolution on Bulgaria
They express “their unequivocal support to the Bulgarian people in their legitimate demands and aspirations for justice, transparency, responsibility and democracy.” MEPs condemned the violent and disproportionate police intervention, in particular the allegations of the use of force against women, children and journalists, as well as the “illegal and excessive audits” of private companies, who expressed their support for the protests.
The text notes “a significant deterioration in respect for the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights, including the independence of the judiciary, the separation of powers, the fight against corruption and freedom of the media.” It also focuses on the continuing systemic problems in the judiciary, in particular the lack of a legislative framework for accountability by the Supreme Judicial Council and the Attorney General.
Other concerns include:
• constitutional reform, which must be in line with international standards,
• possible changes in electoral legislation, close to the next parliamentary elections,
• hasty adoption of legislation,
• high-level corruption investigations without tangible results,
• the status of fundamental rights, for example with regard to hate speech based on discrimination based on sex and sexual orientation, the rights of Roma and asylum seekers.
EPP wants amendments to resolution on Bulgaria
MEPs condemn smear campaigns and condemn violence against journalists. They are deeply concerned about the deterioration of media freedom, transparency and lack of diversity in media ownership, as well as allegations that European funds have been allocated to pro-government media. They emphasize the need for tighter control over how EU funds are spent and for an immediate response to fears that taxpayers’ money is being used to enrich those close to the ruling party.
“The rule of law means a separation of powers, but complaints of judicial corruption and political prosecution are increasing. It means freedom of the media, but we are witnessing a growing influence of the authorities in the public media and the application of clientelism in the private media. It means defending civil rights, but we are witnessing police brutality and the suppression of minority rights, “said Juan Fernando López Aguilar.
EPP wants presidential advisers included in resolution on Bulgaria
GERB MPs Angel Dzhambazki, Andrey Slabakov and Alexander Yordanov opposed the text of the resolution, MRF abstained, BSP MPs supported the resolution. Earlier today, the EPP asked its deputies not to support the resolution, yet seven people supported it.
“The resolution was adopted by a much larger majority than the left and the centrists in Europe. It is a clear signal,” said Petar Vitanov of the PSE and the BSP.
“I am very sorry that my colleagues have initiated this resolution in the European Parliament. It is being used again for internal propaganda, before the elections,” said Andrei Kovachev, from the PPE and GERB.
You can see a recording of the debate (Monday, October 5) here.
The minutes of the vote are available here.
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