site.btaVazrazhdane to Challenge Intelligence Services Reforms in Constitutional Court

The Vazrazhdane party announced plans to file a complaint with the Constitutional Court over recent legislative amendments affecting the country’s intelligence services. Party leader Kostadin Kostadinov said the changes undermine institutional balance by transferring the power to appoint the heads of three key agencies—SANS (State Agency for National Security), SIA (State Intelligence Agency), and SATO (State Agency for Technical Operations)—from the President to Parliament.

On Thursday, Bulgaria’s National Assembly passed the amendments to the SANS Act in both readings, and approved the first readings of amendments to SIA- and SATO-related legislation. Under the new rules, the heads of these agencies will be elected by Parliament, following nominations by the Council of Ministers. Until now, they were appointed by presidential decree.

Kostadinov criticised the move as politically motivated and claimed it reflects the interests of ruling party blocs, particularly GERB and MRF–New Beginning. He warned that Parliament is becoming a “gathering of people serving the interests of two individuals,” and announced that Vazrazhdane will prepare three separate Constitutional Court filings next week.