Speaker faces resignation calls after guard assaults journalist
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A National Security Service (NSO) guard has been arrested for assaulting journalist Sonya Koltuklieva, who was attempting to question Speaker of Parliament Mihaela Dotsova. The incident, which left Koltuklieva injured, has led to public outcry and demands for Dotsova's resignation from opposition parties, including GERB and Democratic Bulgaria. Dotsova has since issued an apology, and the NSO has launched an investigation into the matter.
In other political developments, recent polls indicate a significant narrowing in the presidential race between incumbent President Iliana Yotova and challenger Andrey Gurov. While President Yotova maintains a lead, her support is reportedly declining, with Gurov gaining traction among undecided voters, making a runoff election now considered certain.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rumen Radev is facing sharp criticism from European officials and the European Parliament over his perceived pro-Russian foreign policy, leading to exchanges with MEPs and an open letter from the Prime Minister to the European Parliament. Discussions are also ongoing regarding Bulgaria's insufficient anti-drone defense capabilities and the ongoing scrutiny surrounding recent arrests within the DPS party.