site.btaParliament Rejects Request to Lift Immunity of Vazrazhdane MP for Hooliganism

Parliament voted down a proposal by MRF – New Beginning to lift the immunity of Yordan Todorov MP (Vazrazhdane) for hooliganism during a protest outside the Europe House in Sofia. The request to strip Todorov of immunity came from acting Prosecutor General on February 27.

The motion received 56 votes in favor, 40 against, and 79 abstentions.

Todorov did not speak. His colleague Tsveta Rangelova argued that the move targeted Vazrazhdane deputies for taking part in a political protest. She said the requests were invalid because only a constitutionally appointed Prosecutor General can seek to lift an MP’s immunity, and Borislav Sarafov does not hold that office, as no presidential decree has appointed him. She described the initiative as a political repression.

Here is a breakdown of the votes by group:

In favour (56): all attending Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria; all attending MRF – New Beginning; 5 from BSP – United Left; 1 independent MP
Against (40): 3 from GERB–UDF; all from Vazrazhdane; 1 MP from the Left; 3 from Velichie
Abstained (79): GERB–UDF (the rest of the group); 4 from BSP – United Left; There Is Such a People; all attending Alliance for Rights and Freedoms; all attending MECh.