site.btaLawmakers to Debate Cut in Student Loan Interest

Lawmakers will debate at first reading amendments to the Student and Doctoral-Candidate Loans Act to cut interest on student loans at the National Assembly on Thursday.

The bill was submitted by MP Gabriel Valkov of BSP – United Left and a group of MPs. It provides for a reduction in the interest rate on student loans.

Lowering the interest rate could significantly increase young people’s interest in student loans, as more affordable financing would also encourage more people, especially students from lower-income families, to pursue higher education, according to the bill’s explanatory memorandum.

Lawmakers are also expected to debate, at first reading, amendments to the Waste Management Act. Some provisions would expand local authorities’ responsibilities for managing construction waste by requiring municipalities to establish at least one site where households can deposit such waste free of charge. The bill also proposes higher fines and penalties for individuals and legal entities that engage in these activities.

The weekly programme also includes a proposal to terminate early the Temporary Committee to Establish the Facts and Circumstances Regarding the Activities of George Soros and Alexander Soros and Their Foundations in the Territory of the Republic of Bulgaria. The proposal was submitted by GERB leader Boyko Borissov and a group of MPs.

On Wednesday, the 51st National Assembly opened its new plenary session. In their statements, the parliamentary groups reviewed their work over the past year and set out their priorities for the year ahead. Key themes included adopting the euro and the upcoming early parliamentary elections.