A move to disband a Bulgarian parliamentary commission investigating foreign funding of political parties is threatening to test the stability of the country’s recently formed governing coalition. the commission, often referred to as the “Soros” commission, was established last year following pressure from nationalist parties and aims to examine funding sources linked to U.S. financier George Soros. Now, former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov‘s party is seeking its closure, a maneuver widely viewed as a power play within the fragile alliance with the Movement for Rights and Freedoms, led by Delyan Peevski.
Bulgaria’s former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov is proposing the dissolution of a parliamentary commission investigating alleged foreign influence, a move seen as a test of his current political partner, Delyan Peevski, and the fragile governing coalition.
Borissov’s GERB party is seeking to close the “Soros” commission, officially titled the Temporary Commission for Establishing the Facts and Circumstances Concerning the Foreign Funding of Political Parties and Media, according to reports. The commission was established to investigate funding from sources linked to U.S. financier George Soros, and its potential impact on Bulgarian politics.
The move comes as Borissov appears to be gauging Peevski’s willingness to cooperate on key issues. Recent reports suggest Borissov is also testing Peevski’s stance on the minimum wage and broader policy objectives. This action underscores the delicate balance of power within the current Bulgarian government.
Several outlets report that the proposal to shut down the commission is being framed as a test for the ruling coalition, which includes GERB and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS), a party associated with Peevski. The commission has been a point of contention, with critics arguing it is politically motivated and serves to discredit opposition groups.
While challenging Peevski on the commission, Borissov has simultaneously defended him on other fronts, including his position on support for Ukraine and the “Magnitsky” Act, which targets individuals accused of human rights abuses. This complex dynamic highlights the strategic maneuvering within the Bulgarian political landscape.
The potential closure of the commission could signal a shift in priorities for the governing coalition, or it could be a tactical move to solidify Borissov’s position within the government. The outcome of this test will likely have implications for the future direction of Bulgarian politics.
