The topic of introducing the subject "Virtues and Religions" requires additional public debate, as in my opinion society is still polarized on this topic, said Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva, who participated in the discussion of two bills amending and supplementing the Preschool and School Education Act in the parliamentary Committee on Human Rights and Religions.
After this subject is adopted, as a society we must be sure that there are sufficient financial and human resources to introduce it, the Ombudsman pointed out.
According to her, this subject should not be included in the mandatory curriculum, but should be left as a free elective in schools.
And last but not least, it seems to me that it would be much more appropriate to introduce it at the junior high school stage, and the topics, of course, must be consistent with the secular nature of our education and the age of the students, Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva pointed out.
As Ombudsman I support the proposals of both bills for the introduction of preparatory classes for the intensive study of Bulgarian by children for whom Bulgarian is not their mother tongue, she said.
The Public Defender indicated that he welcomes the proposals for changes to the law with the additional texts aimed at improving the conditions for inclusive education for children with special educational needs.
I must note, however, that from the complaints it is clear that there is great dissatisfaction among parents regarding the restriction of their right to choose the form of education, Velislava Delcheva also said.
The Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights and Religions adopted at first reading the bill for amendments and supplements to the Preschool and School Education Act, submitted by the Council of Ministers.
With six votes „for“ and two votes „abstain“ The committee adopted on first reading Bill No. 51-502-01-37, submitted by the Council of Ministers on 21.07.2025.
Another bill to amend and supplement the Preschool and School Education Act, No. 51-554-01-135, was also presented at the meeting, submitted by Elisaveta Belobradova from “We continue the change – Democratic Bulgaria“ and a group of MPs on 22.07.2025. Two members of the committee voted “for“ this bill, two – – – – – – – abstained“.