Bulgaria’s National Ombudsman Maya Manolova voiced her support towards the ratification of the so-called Istanbul Convention which is meant to help end violence against women. However, in Maya Manolova’s view, Bulgaria may show reticence towards some texts of the convention. In a statement send to the Bulgarian media, the Bulgarian Ombudsman accused the ruling coalition of the lack of preliminary public debate, where the meaning, the sense and the consequences of this ratification can be explained. Maya Manolova also accused the ruling authorities of the lack of a debate about the necessary changes that have to be made in the national legislation. Her statement came as a result of the disputes in the ruling coalition related to the ratification of the Istanbul Convention. According to some ministers, the convention includes the controversial concept “third gender” and facilitates the access of transsexual refugees to the country. The United Patriots, the Bulgarian Socialist Party and the Union of Democratic Forces showed reticence towards the document.