The autumn session of the parliament in Sofia opened today with a message of Bulgarian President Rumen Radev to the people and the National Assembly.

In his speech, the head of state criticized sharply the executive power, saying that "power is being gradually taken away from the people and concentrated in a narrow circle of people, who transform it into economic benefits and media comfort and invest in even more power."

"There is a need for change that would strengthen civic participation and control in government, make institutions more transparent and accountable, open up the initiative of Bulgarian citizens and their fuller participation in public life," President Rumen Radev added. The GERB ruling party firmly rejected the President's criticism. Parliamentary groups have also stated their intentions and priorities for the new political season