Editing Bulgaria (section)

== Politics ==
{{Main|Politics of Bulgaria}}
[[File:Party House, Sofia (by Pudelek).JPG|thumb|left|alt=The National Assembly building in Sofia|[[Largo, Sofia|Independence Square]] in [[Sofia]]: The headquarters of the Presidency (right), the National Assembly (centre) and the Council of Ministers (left).]]
[[File:National_Assembly_main_building,_Sofia,_October_2016_02.jpg|left|thumb|200x200px|The old building of the National Assembly was used from 1885 to 2020 and from 2021 to 2023. Today it is used mainly for ceremonial meetings. The building is a historical, architectural and artistic monument of culture of national importance. View from [[Tsar Osvoboditel]].]]
Bulgaria is a [[parliamentary democracy]] where the [[Prime Minister of Bulgaria|prime minister]] is the [[head of government]] and the most powerful executive position.{{Sfn|Library of Congress|2006|page=16}} The political system has three branches—legislative, executive and judicial, with [[universal suffrage]] for [[citizen]]s at least 18 years old. The [[Constitution of Bulgaria|Constitution]] also provides possibilities of direct democracy, namely petitions and national [[referendum]]s.<ref name="DD-Navi">{{cite web |url=http://direct-democracy-navigator.org/countries/bulgaria/legal_designs |title=Overview of direct democratic instruments in Bulgaria |publisher=Navigator to Direct Democracy |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116183501/http://direct-democracy-navigator.org/countries/bulgaria/legal_designs |archive-date=16 January 2014 |access-date=25 July 2018}}</ref> Elections are supervised by an independent Central Election Commission that includes members from all major political parties. Parties must register with the commission prior to participating in a national election.{{Sfn|Library of Congress|2006|page=17}} Normally, the prime minister-elect is the leader of the party receiving the most votes in parliamentary elections, although this is not always the case.{{Sfn|Library of Congress|2006|page=16}}

Unlike the prime minister, presidential domestic power is more limited. The directly elected [[President of Bulgaria|president]] serves as [[head of state]] and [[commander-in-chief]] of the armed forces, and has the authority to return a bill for further debate, although the parliament can override the [[presidential veto]] by a simple majority vote.{{Sfn|Library of Congress|2006|page=16}} Political parties gather in the [[National Assembly (Bulgaria)|National Assembly]], a body of 240 deputies elected to four-year terms by direct popular vote. The National Assembly has the power to enact laws, approve the budget, schedule presidential elections, select and dismiss the prime minister and other ministers, declare war, deploy troops abroad, and ratify international treaties and agreements.{{Sfn|Library of Congress|2006|pages=16–17}}

{{multiple image
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| image1            = Rumen Radev official portrait (cropped).jpg
| alt1              = Portrait of president Rumen Radev
| width1            = 121
| caption1          = [[Rumen Radev]]<br /><small>[[President of Bulgaria|President]]</small>
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| alt2              = Portrait of prime minister Rosen Zhelyazkov
| width2            = 125
| caption2          = [[Rosen Zhelyazkov]]<br /><small> [[Prime Minister of Bulgaria|Prime Minister]]</small>
}}

Overall, Bulgaria displays a pattern of unstable governments.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSFit981123 |title=Fitch: Early Bulgaria Elections Would Create Fiscal Uncertainty |work=Reuters |date=23 November 2016 |access-date=9 July 2018 |archive-date=12 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512222756/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSFit981123 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Boyko Borisov]], the leader of the centre-right, pro-EU party [[GERB]], served three terms as prime minister between 2009 and 2021.
It won [[2009 Bulgarian parliamentary election|the 2009 general election]] and formed a [[minority government]],<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-04-06/bulgarian-cabinet-faces-no-confidence-vote-over-atomic-plant |title=Bulgarian Cabinet Faces No-Confidence Vote Over Atomic Plant |magazine=[[Bloomberg Businessweek]] |date=6 April 2012 |access-date=1 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726205035/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-04-06/bulgarian-cabinet-faces-no-confidence-vote-over-atomic-plant |archive-date=26 July 2013}}</ref> which resigned in February 2013 after [[Protests against the Borisov cabinet|nationwide protests]] over the low living standards, corruption<ref>{{cite news |title=Bulgarian government resigns amid growing protests |url=https://news.yahoo.com/bulgaria-government-resigns-national-protests-073220738.html?.b=index&.cf3=World+News&.cf4=1&.cf5=Reuters&.cf6=/ |work=Yahoo! News |first=Sam |last=Cage |access-date=20 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308142025/http://news.yahoo.com/bulgaria-government-resigns-national-protests-073220738.html?.b=index&.cf3=World+News&.cf4=1&.cf5=Reuters&.cf6=%2F |archive-date=8 March 2013}}</ref> and the perceived failure of the democratic system.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2013/02/201322163943882279.html |title=Protests in Bulgaria and the new practice of democracy |publisher=Al Jazeera |first=Mariya |last=Petkova |date=21 February 2013 |access-date=7 March 2013 |archive-date=22 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622043541/http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2013/02/201322163943882279.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
The subsequent [[Bulgarian parliamentary election, 2013|snap elections in May]] resulted in a narrow win for GERB,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bulgaria-election-idUSBRE94A09920130512 |title=Rightist GERB holds lead in Bulgaria's election |work=Reuters |first=Tsvetelia |last=Tsolova |date=12 May 2013 |access-date=15 May 2013 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924181140/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/12/us-bulgaria-election-idUSBRE94A09920130512 |url-status=live}}</ref> but the [[Bulgarian Socialist Party]] eventually formed a government led by [[Plamen Oresharski]] after Borisov failed to secure parliamentary support.<ref name="form">{{cite web |url=http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=150686 |title=PM Hopeful: New Bulgarian Cabinet Will Be 'Expert, Pragmatic' |publisher=[[Novinite]] |date=25 May 2013 |access-date=12 March 2014 |archive-date=13 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313002312/http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=150686 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Neil |last=Buckley |title=Bulgaria parliament votes for a 'Mario Monti' to lead government |url=https://www.ft.com/content/fc0873ba-c7b2-11e2-9c52-00144feab7de |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/fc0873ba-c7b2-11e2-9c52-00144feab7de |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |newspaper=The Financial Times |date=29 May 2013 |access-date=28 July 2018}}</ref> The Oresharski government resigned in July 2014 amid continuing [[2013–14 Bulgarian protests against the Oresharski cabinet|large-scale protests]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Bulgarians protest government of 'oligarchs' |url=https://www.dw.com/en/bulgarians-protest-government-of-oligarchs/a-16909751 |publisher=Deutsche Welle |first=Bistra |last=Seiler |date=26 June 2013 |access-date=28 July 2018 |archive-date=10 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610233330/http://www.dw.de/bulgarians-protest-government-of-oligarchs/a-16909751 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.novinite.com/articles/162221/Timeline+of+Oresharski%27s+Cabinet%3A+A+Government+in+Constant+Jeopardy |title=Timeline of Oresharski's Cabinet: A Government in Constant Jeopardy |publisher=[[Novinite]] |date=24 July 2014 |access-date=29 July 2014 |archive-date=12 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512222829/https://www.novinite.com/articles/162221/Timeline+of+Oresharski%27s+Cabinet%3A+A+Government+in+Constant+Jeopardy |url-status=live }}</ref>
The [[2014 Bulgarian parliamentary election|October 2014 elections]] resulted in a third GERB victory.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.novinite.com/articles/163898/Bulgaria%27s+Grand+Parliament+Chessboard+Might+Be+Both+Ailment+and+Cure |title=Bulgaria's Grand Parliament Chessboard Might Be Both Ailment and Cure |publisher=[[Novinite]] |first=Angel |last=Petrov |date=6 October 2014 |access-date=7 October 2014 |archive-date=7 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907081534/https://www.novinite.com/articles/163898/Bulgaria%27s+Grand+Parliament+Chessboard+Might+Be+Both+Ailment+and+Cure |url-status=live }}</ref> Borisov [[Second Borisov Government|formed a coalition]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bulgaria-government-idUSKBN0IQ1ID20141106 |title=Bulgaria's Borisov plasters together coalition government |work=Reuters |first=Tsvetelia |last=Tsolova |date=6 November 2014 |access-date=28 July 2018 |archive-date=19 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220419163046/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bulgaria-government-idUSKBN0IQ1ID20141106 |url-status=live }}</ref> with several right-wing parties, but resigned again after the candidate backed by his party failed to win the [[Bulgarian presidential election, 2016|2016 Presidential election]]. The [[Bulgarian parliamentary election, 2017|March 2017 snap election]] was again won by GERB, but with 95 seats in Parliament. They formed a coalition with the far-right [[United Patriots]], who held 27 seats.<ref name="WP1">{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2017/04/25/bulgarias-government-will-include-nationalist-parties-on-the-far-right-heres-why-and-what-this-means/ |title=Bulgaria's government will include far-right nationalist parties for the first time |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |first=Nina |last=Barzachka |date=25 April 2017 |access-date=9 July 2018 |archive-date=12 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512222921/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2017/04/25/bulgarias-government-will-include-nationalist-parties-on-the-far-right-heres-why-and-what-this-means/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Borisov's last cabinet saw a dramatic decrease in freedom of the press, and a number of corruption revelations that triggered [[2020–2021 Bulgarian protests|yet another wave of mass protests in 2020]].<ref>Todorov, Svetoslav (10 July 2020). [https://balkaninsight.com/2020/07/10/fresh-protest-wave-gains-momentum-in-bulgaria/ "Fresh Protest Wave Gains Momentum in Bulgaria."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416233504/https://balkaninsight.com/2020/07/10/fresh-protest-wave-gains-momentum-in-bulgaria/ |date=16 April 2022 }} ''BalkanInsight.com''. Retrieved 20 July 2021.</ref><ref>[https://www.dw.com/en/bulgaria-anti-government-protests-continue-for-a-ninth-day/a-54224137 "Bulgaria: Anti-Government Protests Continue for a Ninth Day"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416233508/https://www.dw.com/en/bulgaria-anti-government-protests-continue-for-a-ninth-day/a-54224137 |date=16 April 2022 }} (18 July 2020). ''DW.com''. Retrieved 20 July 2021.</ref> GERB came out first in the regular [[April 2021 Bulgarian parliamentary election|April 2021]] election, but with its weakest result so far.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dw.com/en/bulgaria-election-pm-borissovs-party-wins-but-falls-short-of-majority/a-57102610 |title=Bulgaria election: PM Borissov's party wins but falls short of majority &#124; DW &#124; 05.04.2021 |website=[[Deutsche Welle]] |access-date=30 May 2021 |archive-date=27 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427234315/https://www.dw.com/en/bulgaria-election-pm-borissovs-party-wins-but-falls-short-of-majority/a-57102610 |url-status=live }}</ref> All other parties refused to form a government,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/bulgaria-faces-fresh-elections-socialists-refuse-form-government-2021-05-01/ |title=Reuters |website=[[Reuters]] |date=May 2021 |access-date=30 May 2021 |archive-date=8 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508182040/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/bulgaria-faces-fresh-elections-socialists-refuse-form-government-2021-05-01/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and after a brief deadlock, another election was called [[July 2021 Bulgarian parliamentary election|for July 2021]]. It too failed to break the stalemate, as no political party was able to form a coalition government.<ref name="reuters2021-09">{{Cite web |date=2 September 2021 |title=Bulgaria faces fresh elections as Socialists refuse to form a government |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/bulgaria-faces-fresh-elections-socialists-refuse-form-government-2021-09-02/ |access-date=6 September 2021 |website=Reuters |language=en |archive-date=5 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210905234845/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/bulgaria-faces-fresh-elections-socialists-refuse-form-government-2021-09-02/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

In April 2023, because of the political deadlock, Bulgaria held its fifth parliamentary [[2023 Bulgarian parliamentary election|election]] since April 2021. GERB was the biggest, winning 69 seats. The bloc led by [[We Continue the Change]] won 64 seats in the 240-seat parliament. In June 2023, Prime Minister [[Nikolai Denkov]] formed a new coalition between We Continue The Change and GERB. According to the coalition agreement, Denkov will lead the government for the first nine months. He will be succeeded by former European Commissioner, [[Mariya Gabriel]], of the GERB party. She was supposed to take over as prime minister in nine months.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bulgaria's parliament elects new government led by PM Denkov |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/bulgarias-parliament-elects-new-government-led-by-pm-denkov-2023-06-06/ |work=Reuters |date=6 June 2023 |language=en |access-date=10 June 2023 |archive-date=10 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610152222/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/bulgarias-parliament-elects-new-government-led-by-pm-denkov-2023-06-06/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Denkov resigned in accordance with the rotation agreement on 5 March 2024, to allow Gabriel to become the new Prime Minister.<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 March 2024 |title=Bulgaria's PM resigns, as agreed, amid some coalition confusion |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/bulgarias-pm-resigns-agreed-amid-some-coalition-confusion-2024-03-05/ |work=[[Reuters]]}}</ref> On 20 March 2024, the planned government rotation and signing of a renewed government failed due to disagreements between the two alliances on the cabinet and breaking down of relations.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Denitsa Koseva |date=20 March 2024 |title=Bulgaria thrown into new political crisis, snap general election likely |url=https://www.intellinews.com/bulgaria-thrown-into-new-political-crisis-snap-general-election-likely-317585/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240320095504/https://www.intellinews.com/bulgaria-thrown-into-new-political-crisis-snap-general-election-likely-317585/ |archive-date=20 March 2024 |access-date=20 March 2024 |publisher=BNE Intellinews}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=20 March 2024 |title=Mariya Gabriel's Proposed Cabinet Sparks Controversy: WCC-DB Disagrees with Composition |url=https://www.novinite.com/articles/224940/Mariya+Gabriel%27s+Proposed+Cabinet+Sparks+Controversy%3A+WCC-DB+Disagrees+with+Composition |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240320075225/https://www.novinite.com/articles/224940/Mariya%20Gabriel%27s%20Proposed%20Cabinet%20Sparks%20Controversy%3A%20WCC-DB%20Disagrees%20with%20Composition |archive-date=20 March 2024 |access-date=20 March 2024 |publisher=Novinite}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Krassen Nikolov |date=20 March 2024 |title=Bulgarian cabinet rotation falls, snap election looms |url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/bulgarian-cabinet-rotation-falls-snap-election-looms/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240611044222/https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/bulgarian-cabinet-rotation-falls-snap-election-looms/ |archive-date=11 June 2024 |access-date=20 March 2024 |publisher=Euractiv}}</ref> Negotiations ensued across to form a new government,<ref>{{Cite web |author=Desislava Toncheva |date=20 March 2024 |title=Outgoing PM Denkov: We Can Sit at the Negotiation Table and Finish Them in a Reasonable Way |url=https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/638481-outgoing-pm-denkov-we-can-sit-at-the-negotiation-table-and-finish-them-in-a-rea |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240320075227/https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/638481-outgoing-pm-denkov-we-can-sit-at-the-negotiation-table-and-finish-them-in-a-rea |archive-date=20 March 2024 |access-date=20 March 2024 |publisher=Bulgarian News Agency}}</ref> but failed to produce any governments that could reach a majority support.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Lyubomir Gigov |date=24 March 2024 |title=Movement for Rights and Freedoms Will Decline Third Cabinet-Forming Mandate, Wants Early Elections Pronto |url=https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/641010-movement-for-rights-and-freedoms-will-decline-third-cabinet-forming-mandate-wan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240324173523/https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/641010-movement-for-rights-and-freedoms-will-decline-third-cabinet-forming-mandate-wan |archive-date=24 March 2024 |access-date=24 March 2024 |publisher=Bulgarian News Agency}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Nikolay Zabov |date=24 March 2024 |title=UPDATED: Gabriel Won't Run for PM, Clears Way for Early Elections |url=https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/640975-gabriel-won-t-run-for-pm-clears-way-for-early-elections |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240324173521/https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/640975-gabriel-won-t-run-for-pm-clears-way-for-early-elections |archive-date=24 March 2024 |access-date=24 March 2024 |publisher=Bulgarian News Agency}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Roumen Yanovski |date=26 March 2024 |title=Parliament Ends First Mandate for Government Formation |url=https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/641885-parliament-ends-first-mandate-for-government-formation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326102914/https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/641885-parliament-ends-first-mandate-for-government-formation |archive-date=26 March 2024 |access-date=26 March 2024 |publisher=Bulgarian News Agency}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=25 March 2024 |title=A Failed Government Mandate: What's Next |url=https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/641271-a-failed-government-mandate-what-s-next |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240325161129/https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/641271-a-failed-government-mandate-what-s-next |archive-date=25 March 2024 |access-date=25 March 2024 |publisher=Bulgarian News Agency}}</ref> GERB rejected the chance to form a government. PP–DB made a limited attempt to respect the original rotation agreement. The final chance to form a government, chosen by president [[Rumen Radev]], went to ITN, which was immediately rejected.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Dimitrina Solakova |date=26 March 2024 |title=UPDATED: CC-DB Proposes to GERB-UDF that Second Cabinet-forming Mandate Be National, Common |url=https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/641862-cc-db-propose-to-gerb-udf-that-second-cabinet-forming-mandate-be-national-comm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326102925/https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/641862-cc-db-propose-to-gerb-udf-that-second-cabinet-forming-mandate-be-national-comm |archive-date=26 March 2024 |access-date=26 March 2024 |publisher=Bulgarian News Agency}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=26 March 2024 |title=UPDATED: GERB Turns Down CC-DB Last Offer for Government |url=https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/642058-gerb-turns-down-cc-db-last-offer-for-government |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326122603/https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/642058-gerb-turns-down-cc-db-last-offer-for-government |archive-date=26 March 2024 |access-date=26 March 2024 |publisher=Bulgarian News Agency}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=27 March 2024 |title=Bulgaria's Political Crisis: WCC-DB Returned Second Mandate Unfulfilled – President To Convene The Parties In 10 Days |url=https://www.novinite.com/articles/225140/Bulgaria%27s+Political+Crisis%3A+WCC-DB+Returned+Second+Mandate+Unfulfilled+-+President+To+Convene+The+Parties+In+10+Days |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328153418/https://www.novinite.com/articles/225140/Bulgaria%27s+Political+Crisis%3A+WCC-DB+Returned+Second+Mandate+Unfulfilled+-+President+To+Convene+The+Parties+In+10+Days |archive-date=28 March 2024 |access-date=28 March 2024 |publisher=Novinite}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=28 March 2024 |title=Bulgaria's populists reject mandate to form government, set stage for snap vote |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/bulgarias-populists-reject-mandate-form-government-set-stage-snap-vote-2024-03-28/ |publisher=Reuters}}</ref>

On 29 March, as per Article 98 of the constitution,<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 March 2024 |title=After All Three Government-Forming Mandates Fail, President Has to Find a Caretaker PM but that May Be an Uphill Task |url=https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/643762-after-all-three-government-forming-mandates-fail-president-has-to-find-a-careta |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329015626/https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/643762-after-all-three-government-forming-mandates-fail-president-has-to-find-a-careta |archive-date=29 March 2024 |access-date=28 March 2024 |publisher=Bulgarian News Agency}}</ref> the President appointed the Chairman of the [[Chamber of Audit (Bulgaria)|National Audit Office]], [[Dimitar Glavchev]], as the candidate for caretaker prime minister.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 March 2024 |title=President Picks National Audit Office Head for Caretaker PM-Designate |url=https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/644684-president-picks-national-audit-office-head-for-caretaker-pm-designate |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329204720/https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/644684-president-picks-national-audit-office-head-for-caretaker-pm-designate |archive-date=29 March 2024 |access-date=29 March 2024 |publisher=Bulgarian News Agency}}</ref> He was granted a one-week deadline of until 6 April 2024 to propose the composition of the caretaker government.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Yoana Vodenicharova |date=30 March 2024 |title=President Radev Assigns PM-designate Glavchev to Propose Caretaker Cabinet Lineup |url=https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/644820-president-radev-assigns-pm-designate-glavchev-to-propose-caretaker-cabinet-lineu |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240330173959/https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/644820-president-radev-assigns-pm-designate-glavchev-to-propose-caretaker-cabinet-lineu |archive-date=30 March 2024 |access-date=30 March 2024 |publisher=Bulgarian News Agency}}</ref>

Glavchev presented his proposal for the caretaker government on 5 April 2024,<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 April 2024 |title=UPDATED: PM-Designate Proposes Caretaker Cabinet |url=https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/648057-pm-designate-proposes-caretaker-cabinet |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405110251/https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/648057-pm-designate-proposes-caretaker-cabinet |archive-date=5 April 2024 |access-date=5 April 2024 |publisher=Bulgarian News Agency}}</ref> accepted by the President following negotiations and scheduling the election for 9 June 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 April 2024 |title=UPDATED: PM-Designate, President, Parliamentary Parties Hold Talks on Caretaker Cabinet |url=https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/647997-pm-designate-president-parliamentary-parties-hold-talks-on-caretaker-cabinet |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405111451/https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/647997-pm-designate-president-parliamentary-parties-hold-talks-on-caretaker-cabinet |archive-date=5 April 2024 |access-date=5 April 2024 |publisher=Bulgarian News Agency}}</ref><ref name="9 June 2024 announced">{{Cite web |author=Yoanna Vodenova |date=5 April 2024 |title=UPDATED: European and Snap Parliamentary Elections in Bulgaria to be Held Simultaneously on June 9 |url=https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/648162-european-and-snap-parliamentary-elections-in-bulgaria-to-be-held-simultaneously- |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405110041/https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/648162-european-and-snap-parliamentary-elections-in-bulgaria-to-be-held-simultaneously- |archive-date=5 April 2024 |access-date=5 April 2024 |publisher=Bulgarian News Agency}}</ref> Glavchev and his cabinet were inaugurated on 9 April 2024 by the National Assembly.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 April 2024 |title=Bulgarian parliament formally approves caretaker government to run country until June 9 elections |url=https://apnews.com/article/bulgaria-interim-government-elections-420c9287382ee4bf93c8463842554617 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411094254/https://apnews.com/article/bulgaria-interim-government-elections-420c9287382ee4bf93c8463842554617 |archive-date=11 April 2024 |access-date=9 April 2024 |website=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref>

The new elected [[51st National Assembly of Bulgaria|51st Parliament]] replaced the [[50th National Assembly of Bulgaria|50th Parliament]] when all elected members were sworn in on 11 November 2024.<ref name="MPoath(NOV2024)">{{Cite web |date=11 November 2024 |title=The Members of the 51th National Assembly officially took the oath of office |url=https://parliament.bg/en/news/ID/6132 |access-date=11 November 2024 |website=National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria (parliament.bg)}}</ref> After 11 voting rounds, [[Natalia Kiselova]] ([[BSP – United Left|BSP–OL]]) was elected as speaker of the National Assembly on 6 December 2024.<ref name="11th vote">{{Cite web |author=Desislava Antova |date=6 December 2024 |title=ОБНОВЕНА: Наталия Киселова е избрана за председател на 51-вото Народно събрание |trans-title=UPDATED: Natalia Kiselova elected as Speaker of the 51st National Assembly |url=https://www.bta.bg/bg/news/bulgaria/794888-nataliya-kiselova-e-izbrana-za-predsedatel-na-51-voto-narodno-sabranie |access-date=6 December 2024 |website=BTA |language=bg}}</ref>  President [[Rumen Radev]] granted the [[October 2024 Bulgarian parliamentary election#First negotiation mandate|first negotiation mandate]] to the largest party GERB-SDS on 15 January 2025,<ref name="ZhelyazkovProgramme">{{Cite web |author=Dimitrina Solakova |date=15 January 2025 |title=Wrap-up: GERB-UDF Mandated to Form Cabinet, Unveil Proposed Lineup |url=https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/815213-gerb-udf-mandated-to-form-cabinet-unveil-proposed-lineup |access-date=15 January 2025 |website=BTA |language=en}}</ref> which formed a minority government alongside [[Bulgarian Socialist Party|BSP]] and [[There is Such a People|ITN]], with support from [[Alliance for Rights and Freedoms|APS (Dogan)]]. The government is led by GERB politician [[Rosen Zhelyazkov]].<ref name="APSsupport">{{Cite web |date=14 January 2025 |title=Хората на Доган ще подкрепят кабинет на ГЕРБ, БСП и ИТН |trans-title=Dogan's people will support a cabinet of GERB, BSP and ITN |url=https://www.mediapool.bg/horata-na-dogan-shte-podkrepyat-kabinet-na-gerb-bsp-i-itn-news367038.html |access-date=14 January 2025 |website=Mediapool |language=bg}}</ref><ref name="APSsupportConfirmed">{{Cite web |author=Yoana Vodenicharova |date=15 January 2025 |title=Movement for Rights and Freedoms' Operations Bureau Confirms Support for Zhelyazkov's Cabinet |url=https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/815272-movement-for-rights-and-freedoms-operations-bureau-confirms-support-for-zhelyaz |access-date=15 January 2025 |website=BTA |language=en}}</ref>

[[Freedom House]] has reported a continuing deterioration of democratic governance after 2009, citing reduced media independence, stalled reforms, abuse of authority at the highest level and increased dependence of local administrations on the central government.<ref name="FH">{{cite web |url=https://freedomhouse.org/report/nations-transit/2018/bulgaria |title=Bulgaria Country Profile |publisher=Freedom House |first=Emilia |last=Zankina |access-date=24 July 2018 |archive-date=24 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724154012/https://freedomhouse.org/report/nations-transit/2018/bulgaria |url-status=dead}}</ref> Bulgaria is still [[Freedom in the World|listed as "Free"]], with a political system designated as a semi-consolidated democracy, albeit with deteriorating scores.<ref name="FH" /> The [[Democracy Index]] defines it as a "Flawed democracy".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eiu.com/public/topical_report.aspx?campaignid=DemocracyIndex2017 |title=Democracy Index 2017: Free speech under attack |publisher=The Economist Intelligence Unit |access-date=24 July 2018 |archive-date=31 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131181010/https://www.eiu.com/public/topical_report.aspx?campaignid=DemocracyIndex2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> A 2018 survey by the [[Institute for Economics and Peace]] reported that less than 15% of respondents considered elections to be fair.<ref name="GPI">{{cite web |title=Global Peace Index 2019 |url=http://visionofhumanity.org/app/uploads/2019/06/GPI-2019-web003.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827155045/http://visionofhumanity.org/app/uploads/2019/06/GPI-2019-web003.pdf |archive-date=27 August 2019 |access-date=16 December 2019 |publisher=[[Institute for Economics and Peace]] |pages=8, 41, 96}}</ref>

=== Legal system ===
Bulgaria has a [[Civil law (legal system)|civil law]] legal system.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nyulawglobal.org/globalex/Bulgaria.html |title=The Bulgarian Legal System and Legal Research |publisher=Hauser Global Law School Program |date=August 2006 |access-date=28 July 2018 |archive-date=7 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807163007/http://www.nyulawglobal.org/globalex/Bulgaria.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The judiciary is overseen by the Ministry of Justice. The Supreme Administrative Court and the Supreme Court of Cassation are the highest courts of appeal and oversee the application of laws in subordinate courts.{{Sfn|Library of Congress|2006|page=17}} The Supreme Judicial Council manages the system and appoints judges. The legal system is regarded by both domestic and international observers as one of Europe's most inefficient due to a pervasive lack of transparency and corruption.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.bg/crime/sadebnata-ni-sistema-parvenets-po-koruptsiya.html |script-title=bg:Съдебната ни система – първенец по корупция |trans-title=Our justice system – a leader in corruption |publisher=News.bg |date=3 June 2010 |access-date=28 July 2018 |language=bg |archive-date=10 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710040742/https://news.bg/crime/sadebnata-ni-sistema-parvenets-po-koruptsiya.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Matthew |last=Brunwasser |title=Questions arise again about Bulgaria's legal system |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/05/world/europe/05iht-bulgaria.3792672.html |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=5 November 2006 |access-date=20 December 2011 |archive-date=2 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130802050112/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/05/world/europe/05iht-bulgaria.3792672.html? |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://bnr.bg/sites/en/News_eng/Pages/en0112_B2.aspx |title=Transparency International report: Bulgaria perceived as EU's most corrupt country |publisher=Bulgarian National Radio |date=1 December 2012 |access-date=23 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101112317/http://bnr.bg/sites/en/News_eng/Pages/en0112_B2.aspx |archive-date=1 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2011-02-17/bulgaria-sets-up-anti-corruption-unit-security-chief-steps-down |title=Bulgaria Sets Up Anti-Corruption Unit; Security Chief Steps Down |publisher=Bloomberg |first=Elizabeth |last=Konstantinova |newspaper=Bloomberg.com |date=17 February 2011 |access-date=28 July 2018 |archive-date=28 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728131318/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2011-02-17/bulgaria-sets-up-anti-corruption-unit-security-chief-steps-down |url-status=live }}</ref> Law enforcement is carried out by organisations mainly subordinate to the [[Ministry of Interior (Bulgaria)|Ministry of the Interior]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.interpol.int/Member-countries/Europe/Bulgaria |title=Interpol entry on Bulgaria |publisher=Interpol |access-date=20 December 2011 |archive-date=27 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120427105427/http://www.interpol.int/Member-countries/Europe/Bulgaria |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[National Police Service (Bulgaria)|General Directorate of National Police]] (GDNP) combats general crime and maintains public order.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mvr.bg/en/AboutUs/StructuralUnits/National+MoI+Services/Police/default.htm |title=National Police Service |publisher=Ministry of the Interior of Bulgaria |access-date=25 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003054128/http://www.mvr.bg/en/AboutUs/StructuralUnits/National+MoI+Services/Police/default.htm |archive-date=3 October 2012}}</ref> GDNP fields 26,578 police officers in its local and national sections.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mvr.bg/docs/default-source/structura/vak_31_05_2018.pdf?sfvrsn=513e949_6 |script-title=bg:Справка за щатната численост и незаетите бройки в структурите на МВР към 31 May 2018 г. |trans-title=Summary of staff and vacancies in structures of the Ministry of the Interior as of 31 May 2018 |publisher=Ministry of the Interior |date=31 May 2018 |access-date=10 July 2018 |language=bg |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710164755/https://www.mvr.bg/docs/default-source/structura/vak_31_05_2018.pdf?sfvrsn=513e949_6 |archive-date=10 July 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The bulk of criminal cases are transport-related, followed by theft and drug-related crime; [[List of countries by intentional homicide rate|homicide rates are low]].{{Sfn|NSI Brochure|2018|page=27}} The Ministry of the Interior also heads the Border Police Service and the [[Gendarmerie (Bulgaria)|National Gendarmerie]]—a specialised branch for anti-terrorist activity, crisis management and riot control. Counterintelligence and national security are the responsibility of the State Agency for National Security.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dans.bg/ |title=State Agency for National Security Official Website |publisher=State Agency for National Security |access-date=20 December 2011 |archive-date=19 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111219211633/http://www.dans.bg/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Administrative divisions ===
{{Main|Provinces of Bulgaria|Municipalities of Bulgaria}}
Bulgaria is a [[unitary state]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ccre.org/en/membres/Bulgarie.htm |title=Local Structures in Bulgaria |publisher=Council of European Municipalities and Regions |access-date=11 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604090547/http://www.ccre.org/en/membres/Bulgarie.htm |archive-date=4 June 2012}}</ref> Since the 1880s, the number of territorial management units has varied from seven to 26.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mrrb.government.bg/index.php?controller=articles&id=4216 |script-title=bg:Историческо развитие на административно–териториалното устройство на Република България |trans-title=Historical development of the administrative and territorial division of the Republic of Bulgaria |publisher=Ministry of Regional Development |language=bg |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202100126/http://www.mrrb.government.bg/index.php?controller=articles&id=4216 |archive-date=2 February 2014 |access-date=28 July 2018}}</ref> Between 1987 and 1999, the administrative structure consisted of nine provinces (''oblasti'', singular ''[[oblast]]''). A new administrative structure was adopted in parallel with the decentralisation of the economic system.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mrrb.government.bg/index.php?lang=bg&do=atums&type=71&id=13 |title=Областите в България. Портрети |trans-title=The oblasts in Bulgaria. Portraits |publisher=Ministry of Regional Development |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619040835/http://www.mrrb.government.bg/index.php?lang=bg&do=atums&type=71&id=13 |archive-date=19 June 2012 |access-date=28 July 2018}}</ref> It includes 27 provinces and a metropolitan capital province ([[Sofia City Province|Sofia City]]). All areas take their names from their respective capital cities. The provinces are subdivided into 265 [[Municipalities of Bulgaria|municipalities]]. Municipalities are run by mayors, who are elected to four-year terms, and by directly elected municipal councils. Bulgaria is a highly [[centralisation|centralised]] state where the [[Government of Bulgaria|Council of Ministers]] directly appoints regional governors and all provinces and municipalities are heavily dependent on it for funding.{{Sfn|Library of Congress|2006|page=17}}

{| style="margin:auto;" cellpadding="10"
|-
| [[File:Bulgaria Aministrative Provinces numbered.png|300px|right]]
|style="font-size:90%;font-weight:bold;"|
{{col-begin|width=auto}}
{{col-break|gap=2em}}
{{ordered list|start=1|[[Blagoevgrad Province|Blagoevgrad]]|[[Burgas Province|Burgas]]|[[Dobrich Province|Dobrich]]|[[Gabrovo Province|Gabrovo]]|[[Haskovo Province|Haskovo]]|[[Kardzhali Province|Kardzhali]]|[[Kyustendil Province|Kyustendil]]|[[Lovech Province|Lovech]]|[[Montana Province|Montana]]}}
{{col-break|gap=2em}}
{{ordered list|start=10|[[Pazardzhik Province|Pazardzhik]]|[[Pernik Province|Pernik]]|[[Pleven Province|Pleven]]|[[Plovdiv Province|Plovdiv]]|[[Razgrad Province|Razgrad]]|[[Ruse Province|Ruse]]|[[Shumen Province|Shumen]]|[[Silistra Province|Silistra]]|[[Sliven Province|Sliven]]}}
{{col-break|gap=2em}}
{{ordered list|start=19|[[Smolyan Province|Smolyan]]|[[Sofia Province]]|[[Stara Zagora Province|Stara Zagora]]|[[Targovishte Province|Targovishte]]|[[Varna Province|Varna]]|[[Veliko Tarnovo Province|Veliko Tarnovo]]|[[Vidin Province|Vidin]]|[[Vratsa Province|Vratsa]]|[[Yambol Province|Yambol]]}}
{{col-end}}
|}

=== Foreign relations ===
{{Main|Foreign relations of Bulgaria}}
[[File:BAF MiG-29s in flight Garchev.png|thumb|alt=Bulgarian MiG-29 fighters in flight|[[Mikoyan MiG-29]] jet fighters of the [[Bulgarian Air Force]]]]
Bulgaria became a member of the [[United Nations]] in 1955. Since 1966, it has been a non-permanent member of the [[United Nations Security Council|Security Council]] three times, most recently from 2002 to 2003.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thegreenpapers.com/ww/UNSecurityCouncil.phtml |title=The United Nations Security Council |publisher=The Green Papers Worldwide |access-date=4 December 2011 |archive-date=8 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108031920/http://www.thegreenpapers.com/ww/UNSecurityCouncil.phtml |url-status=live }}</ref> It was also among the founding nations of the [[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe|Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe]] (OSCE) in 1975. Euro-Atlantic integration has been a priority since the fall of communism, although the communist leadership also had aspirations of leaving the [[Warsaw Pact]] and joining the [[European Communities]] by 1987.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dnes.bg/obshtestvo/2008/08/15/bai-toshoviiat-blian-bylgariia-v-es-prez-039-87.55776 |script-title=bg:Бай Тошовият блян – България в ЕС през '87 |trans-title=Todor Zhivkov's dream – Bulgaria in the EC in '87 |publisher=Dnes.bg |date=15 August 2008 |language=bg |access-date=20 December 2011 |archive-date=26 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126214023/http://www.dnes.bg/obshtestvo/2008/08/15/bai-toshoviiat-blian-bylgariia-v-es-prez-039-87.55776 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |script-title=bg:"Дойче веле": Тодор Живков искал България да стане член на ЕС |trans-title="Deutsche Welle": Todor Zhivkov wanted Bulgaria to join the EC |url=https://www.vesti.bg/novini/prez-1988-g.-komunisticheskiiat-lider-veche-iskal-ne-prosto-reforma-na-socializma-a-smiana-na-sistemata-1230064 |newspaper=Vesti |date=3 September 2008 |language=bg |access-date=28 July 2018 |archive-date=12 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512223029/https://www.vesti.bg/novini/prez-1988-g.-komunisticheskiiat-lider-veche-iskal-ne-prosto-reforma-na-socializma-a-smiana-na-sistemata-1230064 |url-status=live }}</ref> Bulgaria signed the European Union [[Treaty of Accession 2005|Treaty of Accession]] on 25 April 2005,<ref name="ec">{{cite web |url=http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/archives/enlargement_process/future_prospects/negotiations/eu10_bulgaria_romania/treaty_2005_en.htm |title=European Commission Enlargement Archives: Treaty of Accession of Bulgaria and Romania |publisher=European Commission |date=25 April 2005 |access-date=20 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219145342/http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/archives/enlargement_process/future_prospects/negotiations/eu10_bulgaria_romania/treaty_2005_en.htm |archive-date=19 February 2011}}</ref> and became a full member of the European Union on 1 January 2007.<ref name="Ind">{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/the-big-question-with-romania-and-bulgaria-joining-the-eu-how-much-bigger-can-it-get-430061.html |title=The Big Question: With Romania and Bulgaria joining the EU, how much bigger can it get? |newspaper=[[The Independent]] |first=Steven |last=Castle |date=29 December 2006 |access-date=14 September 2018 |archive-date=16 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116202327/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/the-big-question-with-romania-and-bulgaria-joining-the-eu-how-much-bigger-can-it-get-430061.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition, it has a tripartite economic and diplomatic collaboration with Romania and Greece,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www2.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/en-US/Policy/Geographic+Regions/South-Eastern+Europe/Balkans/Bilateral+Relations/Bulgaria/ |title=Bulgaria – relations |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece |access-date=31 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205023232/http://www2.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/en-US/Policy/Geographic+Regions/South-Eastern+Europe/Balkans/Bilateral+Relations/Bulgaria/ |archive-date=5 February 2012}}</ref> good ties with China<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zzjg/xos/gjlb/3150/ |title=Bulgaria – Bilateral Relations |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726144918/http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zzjg/xos/gjlb/3150/ |archive-date=26 July 2013 |access-date=28 July 2018}}</ref> and [[Vietnam]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=121248 |title=Vietnam Thanks Bulgaria for University Graduates |publisher=[[Novinite]] |date=28 October 2010 |access-date=31 March 2012 |archive-date=3 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111203090603/http://novinite.com/view_news.php?id=121248 |url-status=live }}</ref> and a historical relationship with Russia.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://theconversation.com/russias-borders-old-ties-pull-bulgaria-in-two-directions-33288 |title=Russia's borders: old ties pull Bulgaria in two directions |work=[[The Conversation (website)|The Conversation]] |date=22 October 2014 |access-date=13 January 2022 |quote=Modern relations between Bulgaria and Russia began about two centuries ago... |archive-date=13 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113205531/https://theconversation.com/russias-borders-old-ties-pull-bulgaria-in-two-directions-33288 |url-status=live }}</ref>[[File:Diplomatic_missions_of_Bulgaria.PNG|thumb|Diplomatic missions of Bulgaria]]

Bulgaria deployed significant numbers of both civilian and military advisors in Soviet-allied countries like [[Nicaraguan Revolution|Nicaragua]]{{Sfn|Arms Sales}} and [[Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya|Libya]] during the [[Cold War]].{{Sfn|Foreign Affairs in the 1960s and 1970s}} The first deployment of foreign troops on Bulgarian soil since World War II occurred in 2001, when the country hosted six [[KC-135 Stratotanker]] aircraft and 200 support personnel for the war effort in Afghanistan.<ref name="CENTCOM">{{cite web |url=http://www.centcom.mil/bulgaria/ |title=Bulgaria Factbook |publisher=United States Central Command |date=December 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111018052026/http://www.centcom.mil/bulgaria/ |archive-date=18 October 2011 |access-date=4 October 2018}}</ref> International military relations were further expanded with accession to [[NATO]] in March 2004<ref name="nato">{{cite web |url=http://www.nato.int/docu/update/2004/03-march/e0329a.htm |title=NATO Update: Seven new members join NATO |publisher=NATO |date=29 March 2004 |access-date=20 December 2011 |archive-date=15 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315110351/http://www.nato.int/docu/update/2004/03-march/e0329a.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> and the US-Bulgarian Defence Cooperation Agreement signed in April 2006. [[Bezmer Air Base|Bezmer]] and [[Graf Ignatievo Air Base|Graf Ignatievo]] air bases, the [[Novo Selo Range|Novo Selo]] training range, and a logistics centre in [[Aytos Logistics Center|Aytos]] subsequently became [[List of joint US-Bulgarian military bases|joint military training facilities]] cooperatively used by the United States and Bulgarian militaries.<ref name="State">{{cite web |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3236.htm |title=Bulgaria Factbook |publisher=Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, U.S. Department of State |access-date=4 December 2011 |archive-date=18 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318174110/https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3236.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/features/setimes/features/2006/04/28/feature-01 |title=US, Bulgaria sign defence co-operation agreement |publisher=[[Southeast European Times]] |date=28 April 2006 |access-date=20 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110125201923/http://setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/features/setimes/features/2006/04/28/feature-01 |archive-date=25 January 2011}}</ref> Despite its active international defence collaborations, Bulgaria ranks as among the most peaceful countries globally, tying 6th alongside Iceland regarding domestic and international conflicts, and 26th on average in the [[Global Peace Index]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2024 Global Peace Index |url=https://www.economicsandpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GPI-2024-web.pdf}}</ref>

Following the 2022 [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]], Bulgaria decided to assist Ukraine;<ref>{{cite web |title=Bulgaria's Parliament votes additional military aid for Ukraine, possibility of air space for F-16 training |url=https://sofiaglobe.com/2023/12/08/bulgarias-parliament-votes-additional-military-aid-for-ukraine-possibility-of-air-space-for-f-16-training/ |date=8 December 2023 |access-date=9 December 2023 |archive-date=9 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209114527/https://sofiaglobe.com/2023/12/08/bulgarias-parliament-votes-additional-military-aid-for-ukraine-possibility-of-air-space-for-f-16-training/ |url-status=live }}</ref> in 2023, after Gazprom illegally stopped exporting gas to Bulgaria, the country in turn stopped importing Russian oil and gas.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bulgaria Strikes Back After Gazprom Suspended Gas Supplies Last Year |url=https://jamestown.org/program/bulgaria-strikes-back-after-gazprom-suspended-gas-supplies-last-year/ |date=26 October 2023 |access-date=9 December 2023 |archive-date=9 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209114527/https://jamestown.org/program/bulgaria-strikes-back-after-gazprom-suspended-gas-supplies-last-year/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Military ===
{{Main|Bulgarian Armed Forces}}
The [[Bulgarian Armed Forces]] are the military of Bulgaria and are composed of [[Bulgarian land forces|land forces]], [[Bulgarian Navy|navy]] and an [[Bulgarian Air Force|air force]]. The Armed Forces have 36,950 active troops, supplemented by 3,000 [[reservist]]s.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Military Balance 2021 |author1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |author-link1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |date=25 February 2021 |publisher=[[Routledge]] |location=[[London]] |page=89 |isbn=978-1-03-201227-8}}</ref> The land forces consist of two [[Mechanized infantry|mechanised]] [[brigade]]s and eight independent [[regiment]]s and [[battalion]]s; the air force operates 106 aircraft and [[Anti-aircraft warfare|air defence]] systems across six air bases, and the navy operates various ships, helicopters and coastal defence weapons.<ref name="AF plan">{{cite web |url=http://www.mod.bg/en/doc/misc/20110207_AFDP_ENG.pdf |title=Armed Forces Development Plan |publisher=Ministry of Defence of Bulgaria |date=2010 |access-date=31 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628195116/http://www.mod.bg/en/doc/misc/20110207_AFDP_ENG.pdf |archive-date=28 June 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Military inventory mainly consists of Soviet equipment like [[Mikoyan MiG-29]] and [[Sukhoi Su-25]] jets,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defence24.com/bulgaria-will-modernize-its-army-fighters-infantry-fighting-vehicles |title=Bulgaria Will Modernize Its Army. "Fighters, infantry fighting vehicles" |publisher=Defence24 |first=Jakub |last=Palowski |date=6 October 2015 |access-date=21 July 2018 |archive-date=12 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512223117/https://defence24.com/bulgaria-will-modernize-its-army-fighters-infantry-fighting-vehicles |url-status=live }}</ref> [[S-300 missile system|S-300PT]] air defence systems<ref>{{cite web |url=http://aviationweek.com/site-files/aviationweek.com/files/uploads/2015/07/asd_08_06_2015_dossier.pdf |title=S-300 Surface-to-air Missile System |publisher=Aerospace Daily & Defense Report |date=6 August 2015 |access-date=21 July 2018 |archive-date=8 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808002052/https://aviationweek.com/site-files/aviationweek.com/files/uploads/2015/07/asd_08_06_2015_dossier.pdf |url-status=dead}}</ref> and [[SS-21 Scarab]] short-range [[ballistic missile]]s.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/ss-21-scarab-russias-forgotten-deadly-ballistic-missile-17679?page=0%2C1 |title=SS-21 Scarab: Russia's Forgotten (But Deadly) Ballistic Missile |magazine=The National Interest |first=Sebastien |last=Roblin |date=12 September 2016 |access-date=21 July 2018 |archive-date=12 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512223126/https://nationalinterest.org/blog/ss-21-scarab-russias-forgotten-deadly-ballistic-missile-17679?page=0%2C1 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Armed Forces are modernising with [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Block 70]] fighter jets, new multi-purpose corvettes and other modern NATO-standard equipment. Bulgaria is in the process of buying new US-built [[Stryker]] vehicles, new [[155 mm caliber|155 mm]] [[Self-propelled artillery|self-propelled howitzers]], new [[Early-warning radar|3D early-warning radar]]s, new [[surface-to-air missile]]s and more.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 September 2023 |title=Ракети, радари, бронирани машини. Как България се разбърза да превъоръжи армията заради агресията на Русия |url=https://www.svobodnaevropa.bg/a/32585458.html |access-date=24 September 2023 |website=Свободна Европа |language=bg |archive-date=22 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922151600/https://www.svobodnaevropa.bg/a/32585458.html |url-status=live }}</ref>