The current political situation in Bulgaria is characterised by tense and controversial efforts aimed at changing the outgoing cabinet, a Parliament on the verge of dissolution, a new head of state who is soon to step in office, and probable early parliamentary elections. In these circumstances, however, activities of institutions are often limited. But that is not the case, however, with efforts for prevention and combating terrorism.

Yesterday, Bulgarian parliament finally adopted amendments to the Counter-Terrorism Act. The bill has been a topic of discussions for a long time, but efforts for its adoption encountered various obstacles. The variant that parliament finally adopted concerns anti-terrorist operations and emergency rules. The media are required by law to transmit to the public immediately and without modification information provided by services. This information would not contain data about the tactics of operations and participants involved. The National Security State Agency receives the right to make arrests in certain cases. A few changes in the Special Intelligence Means Act have clarified their application in cases of terrorism with the permission of the Specialized Criminal Court. The military would also have rights to make arrests.

Rightist politicians have voiced disagreement with changes, saying that they give the National Security Agency unacceptable police functions. Leftist parties said the new rules gave a green light to eavesdropping. The comments are similar to those about unacceptable restriction of civil rights heard during the preparation of the law. The answer of proponents is also known. It is that in the name of security such restrictions are permissible under certain conditions.

Some days ago it was seen that current political instability did not put into question signing of the agreement for Bulgaria's access to U.S. information about migrants with risk profile. Preparation of the agreement started in the middle of the year. In an interview for BNR, Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alan Bersin, who has paid a visit to Bulgaria, said that even in case the state administration was replaced in January, employees working on the preparation of the document will remain at work because there are processes between the two countries that do not depend on changes in internal politics.

There have been no changes in Sofia's intentions to start repatriation of Afghan illegal migrants, beginning with those involved in recent riots in the refugee center in Harmanli, Southern Bulgaria. During the week a group of 140 such Afghans was transported to Kabul by air. Repatriation of 200 more is a matter of days. Along with Bulgaria, Germany also repatriated a group of migrants, showing that Bulgaria is not alone in adopting a harder line towards risk categories of migrants. This really gives grounds to expect continuity of the process, despite the current situation.

English: Alexander Markov