With 154 votes “for”, none “against” and 22 “abstained” MPs from the Movement for Rights and Freedoms, the National Assembly adopted, at first reading, amendments to the Bulgarian Citizenship Act. Fluency in the Bulgarian language will be a must for acquiring Bulgarian citizenship. This requirement will not apply to the acquisition of Bulgarian citizenship by adoption by a Bulgarian citizen.

Withdrawal of naturalization is envisaged in instances of systemic and deliberate undermining of the prestige of Bulgaria, Bulgarian institutions or the national interests. The amendments envisage a hearing by the Citizenship Council for the person for whom naturalization withdrawal is proposed. Bulgarian citizenship certificates shall be awarded at an official ceremony at the Ministry of Justice or Bulgaria’s diplomatic missions and consular offices abroad.

GERB/SDS stated they support the texts, but that some of them need more work between the two readings.