Bulgaria's National Assembly voted to shorten its traditional summer recess and officially scheduled the country's presidential election for October 25, 2026.
Lawmakers approved a proposal submitted by the ruling Progressive Bulgaria to reduce Parliament's summer vacation from the standard August 1-31 period to August 5-23. The measure passed with 150 votes in favor, two against, and one abstention.
The proposal received support from 116 MPs from Progressive Bulgaria, as well as all lawmakers from the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS), Democratic Bulgaria (DB), and Revival, along with six deputies from We Continue Change (PP). One MP each from Progressive Bulgaria and PP voted against the proposal, while one Progressive Bulgaria lawmaker abstained. GERB did not participate in the vote.
As a result, Parliament's summer recess will last 19 days instead of the month-long break provided under the chamber's rules.
Lawmakers also voted to hold Bulgaria's presidential and vice-presidential elections on Sunday, October 25. If no candidate secures the required majority in the first round, a runoff election will take place on November 1.
