Bulgaria Approves defense act Amendments Amidst Concerns of Presidential Power shift
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Bulgaria’s parliament has passed the first reading of amendments to the Defense and Armed Forces Act, sparking debate over the potential impact on the President’s authority and the nation’s security posture. the changes, submitted by the Council of Ministers, were approved on october 2, 2025, with a vote of 125 in favor, 40 against, and 8 abstentions.
The amendments were proposed by the Council of Ministers, Bulgaria’s executive branch, why they were proposed is to modernize the nation’s defense framework and address emerging security challenges, particularly concerning drone warfare. The who involved includes the Bulgarian Parliament, the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Defense, President Rumen radev, and various political factions like The Revival. The core what of the amendments involves restructuring the supreme command, establishing a drone protection system, and altering regulations regarding military service and leave. The how involves legislative changes passed through parliament, with implementation details delegated to the ministry of Defense and presidential approval for certain aspects.
Strengthening National Command structures
The revised legislation focuses on regulating the activity of the supreme main command and establishing a framework for the implementation of a drone protection system.According to officials, the Ministry of Defense will be tasked with developing operational procedures for the drone defense system, which will ultimately require approval via a presidential decree.
The amendments also outline the inclusion of the State Agency for Technical Operations within the structures of the Armed Forces. Furthermore, new regulations introduce a limitation period of up to three years for the use of paid leave by servicemen, and allow for the potential extension of service for up to three years beyond retirement, subject to a decision by the Minister of Defense.
The changes have drawn criticism from some political factions, with one group, identified as The Revival, alleging that the amendments represent an attempt to curtail the powers of the Head of State and possibly draw the country into a military conflict involving its EU and NATO allies.
“Obviously, our government is preparing for war and for this reason he does not want anyone to interfere,” a senior official stated. “Because they are at war with the president, they are practically meaningless his role and his function as commander-in-chief. In reality, they make him a rubber seal. We must be very careful for all this, as he will be a terrible manner.”
Defense Ministry Rejects allegations
Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov has dismissed these concerns as unsubstantiated “suggestions.” He emphasized that the amendments do not diminish the authority of any individual or grant powers to external entities.
“No authority of anyone is taken away by the changes in the law and no powers of anyone outside Bulgaria are granted,” Zapryanov asserted.”The Supreme Main Command is a national command and has nothing to do with our NATO membership. It is indeed created by a decree of the President in War Time.”
Expanding Educational Opportunities in military Affairs
In addition to structural changes, the amendments also introduce a new category – “College” – for Bulgarian citizens
