Education Crisis Deepens Amid Presidential Race Controversies and US Accusations
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Bulgaria is grappling with a deepening education crisis, as new PISA results show an alarming decline in the performance of 15-year-old students in reading and mathematics. Nearly 60% of students are now below basic proficiency levels, prompting calls for urgent reforms.
The political landscape is also dominated by developments in the presidential election. The GERB party has announced it will not nominate its own candidate, a significant strategic shift. Concurrently, President Iliana Yotova's initiative committee is mired in controversy, with journalist Georgi Toshev denying involvement, and reports surfacing of former State Security agents being part of the committee. These developments unfold as the United States formally accuses Bulgaria of concealing Russian hybrid warfare and disinformation campaigns.
Amidst these challenges, new legislative changes are empowering citizens to propose draft laws, aiming to increase public participation in governance. The cabinet has also moved to establish a unified body to improve road safety following a tragic accident that claimed the lives of two brothers. On a positive note, the EU has backed MEP Itso Hazarta's initiative for free international summer camps for vulnerable children.