The Public Council to the Committee on Direct Citizen Participation and Interaction with Civil Society now has a full line-up for the 52nd National Assembly. Committee MPs approved it unanimously, 12 votes in favor.
Ninety-six non-government organizations that meet the requirements filed papers under the pre-agreed selection rules, committee chair Dr Alexander Simidchiev told the meeting. The council covers 21 areas of expertise.
"The Public Council now needs to hold its first meeting and nominate a chair and deputy chairs for the committee to vote on," Simidchiev said. He added that the council must also draw up draft internal rules for its work, which will also go to a committee vote.
Zahari Yankov was picked for civil society development, Miroslav Tsekov for regional and local development and agriculture, Mariyana Mitova for justice and the rule of law, and Radostina Yakimova for internal security and public order. Georgi Georgiev will handle economic development, finance and tourism, Albena Drobachka health care, Miryana Malamin-Siriyski social policy, and Vilis Tsurov international cooperation and defence.
Radoslav Stoyanov is in charge of human rights and religious freedom. Sara Perin covers ethnic issues, minority rights and the fight against discrimination, while Nonka Matova handles physical education and sport. Atanas Radev is responsible for youth policy, and Kalina Petrova for children's rights.
Lyuba Yordanova takes on education and science, Orlin Denkov culture, Regina Stoilova the environment and water protection, and Marina Georgieva biodiversity and animal welfare. Teodora Bakardzhieva is in charge of charity and volunteering, Valko Stanev of transport and road safety, Daniela Bozhinova of innovation and digital transformation, and Gergana Kutseva of gender equality.
The National Assembly's website has also published the list of non-government organizations, grouped by the council's areas of expertise.