The Bulgarian Parliament has approved the establishment of an inquiry committee to analyze the influence of American millionaire George Soros in the country, a measure supported by an oligarch sanctioned for corruption, Delian Peevski. The committee received the support of 111 deputies out of 205 present, with 51 votes against and 43 abstentions. It will investigate Soros's funding and connections with political parties, educational institutions, the media, and state authorities.
Peevski, who controls part of the judiciary and media, stated that he will free the country from Soros's influence. Criticism of the committee comes from the pro-European opposition, which believes it is based on conspiracy theories. The Open Society Foundation, created by Soros, is accused by Bulgarian politicians of having a negative influence, while human rights NGOs argue that it promotes democracy and fights corruption.