The government called a special meeting of parliament Tuesday to discuss the recent increase of crime in the country. Prime Minister Ivan Kostov reported on the situation and spoke of changes which are pending within the Interior Ministry.
Among these changes would be a considerable personnel turnover, a closer control of weapons permits, and stricter control of police activity. The government also plans to provide more funding to fill 5,000 police vacancies. This would enable more officers to be placed in schools, as well as known criminal hotspots.
The Interior Ministry said it would monitor employee performance and resistance to corruption more closely.
Also of interest at the meeting was the announcement by representatives from the Democratic Left that consultations have been opened on a motion for a no-confidence vote in the government.
This special parliamentary session followed another impromptu meeting of the government Monday. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss amendments to Bulgaria's penal code, reported Bulgarian National Radio. Two drafts of amendments were submitted and are expected to be approved this week by cabinet. A report by Interior Minister Emanuil Yordanov outlined the required crime prevention measures.
He said it was necessary to limit the potential for gun purchase and ownership, create a database to track weapon owners, and tighten the ministry's control of drug trafficking.
Also included among the amendments were increasing surveillance of known crime areas and giving 20-year prison terms to individuals guilty of raping a minor.
Among these changes would be a considerable personnel turnover, a closer control of weapons permits, and stricter control of police activity. The government also plans to provide more funding to fill 5,000 police vacancies. This would enable more officers to be placed in schools, as well as known criminal hotspots.
The Interior Ministry said it would monitor employee performance and resistance to corruption more closely.
Also of interest at the meeting was the announcement by representatives from the Democratic Left that consultations have been opened on a motion for a no-confidence vote in the government.
This special parliamentary session followed another impromptu meeting of the government Monday. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss amendments to Bulgaria's penal code, reported Bulgarian National Radio. Two drafts of amendments were submitted and are expected to be approved this week by cabinet. A report by Interior Minister Emanuil Yordanov outlined the required crime prevention measures.
He said it was necessary to limit the potential for gun purchase and ownership, create a database to track weapon owners, and tighten the ministry's control of drug trafficking.
Also included among the amendments were increasing surveillance of known crime areas and giving 20-year prison terms to individuals guilty of raping a minor.
