„Vazrazhdane“ again demands that the National Assembly consider the draft law on the registration of foreign agents.
The draft law, which aims to ensure transparency and control over foreign funding of organizations developing public and political activities, continues to cause polarized reactions in society. According to the initiators, the law is necessary to guarantee the independence of national interests and prevent foreign interference in the country's internal affairs.
The draft provides for the creation of a public register of foreign agents, administered by the Ministry of Justice. Organizations and individuals who receive direct or indirect funding from foreign sources will be required to declare this within 15 days of receiving the funds. The law excludes activities funded by the European Union, as well as those in the fields of healthcare, sports, religious activities and trade.
“Transparency is a fundamental principle of democracy. With this bill, we want to ensure that society will be informed about the sources of influence on key social and political processes.“, the political organization said.
The law provides for a public register - any organization funded with over 1,000 leva from foreign sources will be entered in the register as a “foreign agent“. Participation in educational institutions, objects of the Ministry of Defense and other strategic structures is also prohibited, as well as in political activities, election campaigning and lobbying. Organizations will have to indicate their status as a “foreign agent“ in all its publications, electronic materials and other types of media production, and foreign agents will be subject to an annual financial audit, the results of which will be publicly available.
„Vazrazhdane“'s reasons for introducing the law emphasize the need to protect Bulgarian sovereignty. „The financing of public and political activities from foreign sources is often used to promote foreign interests, which do not always coincide with national ones. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to know who is behind such initiatives and what their goals are“, the political organization also commented.
Although the project aims to create transparency, critics describe it as too restrictive. Some organizations have expressed concern that the law could lead to restrictions on civil liberties and freedom of expression.
From „Vazrazhdane“ however, they emphasize that the law is not aimed at restricting the activities of non-governmental organizations, but only at revealing their sources of funding and influence.
The political organization insists on a quick consideration of the law in the National Assembly, expressing readiness for discussions and changes that would make it even more effective. If adopted, the law will give Bulgarian society greater confidence that the national interest remains inviolable.