Bulgaria has two days to nominate its commissioner

In a letter to the leaders of parliamentary groups in the 50th National Assembly, caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev urged them to submit two nominations for a Bulgarian commissioner in the next European Commission by August 29.

Glavchev reminded that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had asked Bulgaria to nominate two candidates for commissioner, preferably a man and a woman. This request comes in case the current commissioner, Iliana Ivanova, who holds the portfolio of innovation, research, culture, education and youth, is not re-nominated. The deadline for these nominations is 30 August 2024.

In response, the parliamentary groups have already started to name their candidates. GERB has chosen Ekaterina Zaharieva, an MP and former minister of foreign affairs, justice and regional development. Meanwhile, There is Such a People has nominated Velislava Petrova, a former deputy foreign minister.

The Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS) nominated Iskra Mihaylova, who has " clear Euro-Atlantic orientation, with many years of experience both in the European Parliament and in the executive and legislative powers in Bulgaria''.

The Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) is considering MEP Sergei Stanishev as its candidate, although discussions are still ongoing, according to the party's leader, Borislav Gutsanov.

Political uncertainty in Bulgaria has delayed the decision-making process for the appointment of a commissioner, pushing it to the last minute.