site.btaConstitutional Court Opens Case at Government's Request over Parliament Resolution on Fuel Price Shock Measures

The Constitutional Court said on Thursday it had opened a case at the request of the Council of Ministers to establish the unconstitutionality of a National Assembly resolution of March 13 concerning measures to address the price shock caused by high crude oil and natural gas prices. The draft resolution was submitted by MRF-New Beginning.

Judge Sasho Penov is the rapporteur on the case.

Under the resolution, the Council of Ministers is expected to develop and adopt measures to support the most vulnerable social groups with incomes below the poverty line, including by expanding energy assistance programmes. Regarding support for enterprises and public services impacted by increased energy resource costs, the Cabinet is tasked with devising measures and a programme aimed at the transport sector, urban transport, medical facilities, schools, kindergartens and nurseries, and agricultural producers.

As of March 25, the caretaker Cabinet's programme for monthly financial support of EUR 20 per person to help cover transport costs linked to the increase in fuel prices following developments in the Middle East has been in effect. The assistance will be available to individuals with an average monthly gross income of up to EUR 652.41, equivalent to twice the poverty line for 2025.

The Cabinet is also preparing a package of measures addressing the impact of the situation in the Middle East on citizens and businesses in Bulgaria.