Bulgarian MPs Vote Themselves Long Summer Break amid Turmoil
Domestic | July 31, 2013, Wednesday // 16:12| views
Photo by BGNES
Bulgaria’s lawmakers will enjoy a summer vacation of no fewer than 32 days, it was made clear on Wednesday.
The Bulgarian Parliament, which convened for the first time in mid-May, will be in summer break starting Monday, August 5. The MPs will be back to work on September 4.
A total of 102 lawmakers voted in favor of the prolonged summer break, while 75 were against and two abstained from voting.
The opposition center-right GERB party opposed the move, which comes amid ongoing massive anti-government protests in Sofia.
The intentions of the Members of the Parliament to go on summer break next Monday prompted a number of protesters to arrive in bathing suits in front of Parliament on Wednesdat. There were even inflatable pools filled with water. The peaceful “beach protest” was briefly marred by a riot police attack, with at least one demonstrator beaten, according to reporters.
Protesters have demanded that the Socialist-led government resign immediately over a string of controversial appointments and wider concerns about corruption.
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