Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

War minister calls for compulsory military training for people working with firearms

Atanas Zapryanov
Photo: BTA

Those in professions where weapons are used should undergo compulsory military training. This is being considered by the Ministry of War, Minister Atanas Zapryanov told BNR.


"Our idea is that compulsory military training should not be understood as conscription or compulsory for all citizens, but only for those who want to work and whose profession is related to the use of weapons," the minister explained. If the proposal is approved by the National Assembly, the measure would affect border guards, court guards and even those working in private security companies.


Atanas Zapryanov also said that defence spending should be increased and the armed forces should be strengthened. The increase in the defence budget is about 138 million euro, and it covers the salaries of military personnel under their new pay system from January 1. This has led to increased interest in military service,' he added.




Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Daniel Mitov

Interior minister orders nationwide inspection of dangerous road sections

Against the background of protests in different towns across the country against the “war on the roads”, the poor condition of roads, corruption in public procurement and flawed road repairs, Minister of Interior Daniel Mitov has ordered a..

published on 4/5/25 2:28 PM
Zhecho Stankov (L) and Alparslan Bayraktar

Changes to gas contract between Bulgaria and Türkiye’s BOTAŞ in the offing

Ways to improve the positions of the sides to the contract between Bulgaria’s Bulgargaz, Bulgartransgaz and Türkiye’s BOTAŞ will be discussed until 2 May. Agreement on this was reached in Baku, Azerbaijan, by Bulgaria’s Minister of Energy Zhecho..

published on 4/5/25 1:39 PM
Hundreds came out to protest in memory of Siyana in Pleven last night

Protests against war on the roads after death of a child in serious traffic accident

A wave of outrage is sweeping over Bulgaria after a severe accident on the Telish-Radomirtsi road (Pleven region), in which 12-year old Siyana lost her life as she was returning from a holiday with her grandparents. A protest is scheduled for today..

published on 4/5/25 11:50 AM