December 29, 2008

As already announced, 50 NGOs and institutions have submitted to the Bulgarian parliament a petition - declaration entitled “Let’s give a chance to the draft law regulating the direct citizens' participation in government”. The document voices certain fears that due to the upcoming elections the draft law, already passed at first reading, might be thrown to the back rows of the political agenda and urges the National Assembly to start its second reading as a matter of priority.
The draft law was adopted at first reading in July 2008. The leading parliamentary committee on legal affairs which is preparing the report on the second reading of the draft law is in constant interaction with the NGOs concerned. The National Assembly maintains also active relations with its foreign partners. Bulgaria is having for this project the assistance of the local government of the Suisse Canton of Bern and receives a valuable expertise in the process of conducting referendums.

The chairman of the Bulgaria’s National Assembly Georgi Pirinski shares completely the understanding that the bill, under question, is of utmost importance for the establishment of trust between politicians and civil society and for the reinforcement of the democratic principles of government.

To this end, the speaker of parliament states that he is committed to give priority of this bill’ s second reading during the forthcoming Session of the 40th National Assembly.