Constitutional Court Invalidates Fuel Price Resolution

The Constitutional Court of Bulgaria has declared a parliamentary resolution instructing the government to mitigate high fuel prices as unconstitutional. The Court found that the resolution exceeded Parliament's budgetary powers under the Constitution.

Details of the Resolution

On March 13, 2026, the National Assembly adopted a resolution directing the Council of Ministers to implement urgent measures to alleviate the economic impact of rising crude oil and natural gas prices. This resolution aimed to provide immediate relief to consumers facing escalating fuel costs.

Constitutional Challenge and Court's Ruling

The caretaker government, led by Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov, challenged the resolution's constitutionality, arguing that it infringed upon the executive's prerogatives and violated the separation of powers. On May 14, 2026, the Constitutional Court unanimously ruled that the resolution overstepped Parliament's constitutional authority, particularly concerning budget administration and economic policy.

Implications for Legislative and Executive Relations

This ruling reinforces the delineation of powers between Bulgaria's legislative and executive branches. It underscores the necessity for Parliament to operate within its constitutional boundaries, especially regarding economic directives and budgetary matters. The decision may prompt a reassessment of how legislative bodies address economic crises and collaborate with the executive branch to formulate policy responses.

Public and Economic Impact

While the Court's decision maintains constitutional order, it leaves unresolved the pressing issue of high fuel prices affecting Bulgarian consumers. The government may need to explore alternative, constitutionally compliant measures to address the economic challenges posed by fluctuating global energy markets.