How does the National Assembly work?
According to the Constitution, the National Assembly is a standing body. The parliamentary sessions are three per year, separated by Eаster, summer, and Christmas recesses. The work of MPs during the sessions includes participation in plenary sittings, committee meetings, meetings of the parliamentary groups, and activities in their constituencies. At plenary sessions, the National Assembly adopts laws, resolutions, declarations, and addresses. It also exercises parliamentary oversight. Plenary sittings are held three times per week with Friday sittings usually dedicated partly to parliamentary scrutiny and broadcasted live on national television. All open plenary sessions are streamed live online at www.parliament.bg. The National Assembly carries its functions through a system of standing (active throughout its term) and ad-hoc (set up for a limited period of time and carrying out specific tasks) committees.
Each composition of the National Assembly adopts its Rules of Organization and Procedure, which determine the internal structure, order of business, and composition of the parliamentary bodies.
The President of the National Assembly is elected in office by the MPs and represents the institution. The President opens, chairs, and closes the plenary sittings, announces and distributes bills and other proposals among the parliamentary committees. In fulfilling these responsibilities, the President is assisted by Vice Presidents.