Bulgarian leaders debate ‘Coalition of the Willing’ on EU and NATO issues

Petar Vitanov, head of the Progressive Bulgaria party, described the so‑called “Coalition of the Willing” as an extraconstitutional format created to circumvent decisions of the European Union and NATO. He said Bulgaria is not part of the coalition, that no legally binding agreements exist, and referenced the Prime Minister’s statement in Paris denying any dual centre in foreign policy. Vitanov also mentioned the 2022 gas‑deal with Botash, noting that changing circumstances have altered its context.

Opposition figure Bozhidar Bozhano accused the ruling coalition of trying to secure a pro‑Russian vote ahead of the presidential election. He outlined a set of health‑sector measures aimed at reducing corruption, improving drug procurement transparency, and enhancing automated controls using existing health‑system data. Bozhano said these proposals should be supported regardless of the governing party.

Both comments reflect ongoing political debate in Bulgaria over foreign‑policy alignment with the EU and NATO and domestic policy reforms.