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The Economic and Social Council with strong reaction against Vazrazhdane-proposed bill on foreign agents

Vazrazdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov
Photo: BTA

The Economic and Social Council of the Republic of Bulgaria strongly criticizes the bill tabled by Vazrazhdane party on the registration of foreign agents submitted to the National Assembly. In a resolution, the Council described the proposals as "discriminatory", violating media independence and freedom of expression, and in contravention of the Constitution and human rights.
The introduction of a reporting requirement for any financial receipts from foreign sources over BGN 1,000 would put organisations under constant scrutiny and punishment, the organisation said. According to its members, the requirement for so-called foreign agents to mark this status in large print on all published material is reminiscent of historical practices of labelling and discrimination and imposes a stigma on organisations and individuals who collaborate with international partners.

This would also create problems for foreign investors in the country, who would be discouraged by new restrictions, the Economic and Social Council points out.



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