site.btaMedia Review: August 12

HEADLINES

The Bulgarian Olympic medals dominated the headlines on Monday. Trud's front page also featured an article about milk and cheese standards, while 24 Chasa wrote about a new powdered stimulant that substitutes for coffee and energy drinks, which quickly gained prominence among teens. Telegraf, 24 Chasa, bTV, the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR), and Dnevnik wrote about the structure of the new cabinet after the appointment of the caretaker prime minister-designate Goritsa Grancharova-Kozhareva. The Bulgarian National Television (BNT) covers a new wildfire near the country’s borders with North Macedonia.

ECONOMY

Trud wrote about the ongoing debate over Bulgarian dairy standards, particularly concerning yoghurt and white brine cheese. The debate centres around whether to abolish the Bulgarian State Standard (BDS) in favour of the European Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), which mandates the use of 100% Bulgarian raw milk. The PDO, registered in 2023, aims to ensure higher quality and support local dairy production, while the BDS currently permits imported raw milk, causing consumer confusion. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food proposes requiring only PDO products in schools, while some in the dairy industry advocate for retaining the BDS under new names. The outcome of this debate, expected by the end of 2024, will significantly affect dairy production and consumer confidence in Bulgaria. The article cites Bulgarian Institute for Standardization Managing Director Iren Dabizheva and Chair of the Association of Dairy Processors Dimitar Zorov.

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Capital wrote about foreign investment hurdles in Bozhurishte industrial park and the fact that Bulgaria's efforts to attract foreign investors are undermined by significant infrastructural and bureaucratic challenges. This was highlighted by the non-operational status of two factories in the Bozhurishte state-owned industrial park due to a prolonged electricity installation delay. Despite being production-ready, these factories remain idle, reflecting broader issues such as bureaucratic inefficiency, corruption, and monopolistic obstacles that hinder investment. These challenges not only discourage new investors but also threaten Bulgaria's ability to support and retain the foreign investments it urgently seeks.

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BNR wrote that there is no sign of rinderpest in Bulgaria's small farm animals, according to checks by the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency. Over 11,000 animals were inspected, and increased checks will continue due to outbreaks in neighbouring countries. Disinfection measures have been implemented at Bulgarian borders, and strict regulations on the movement of live animals have been enforced to prevent the disease's spread, which poses no risk to human health but can cause significant economic losses.

SPORTS

Telegraf wrote about Bulgarian wrestler Karlos Nasar’s Olympic gold in Paris in the 89kg category. Nasar set a world record in the combined lift, with a total of 404kg. He lifted 180kg in the snatch, matching the International Weightlifting Federation's Olympic standard, and then 224kg in the clean and jerk, surpassing his own world record by 1kg. Nasar had support in the audience from Bulgarian Olympic Committee President Stefka Kostadinova, Bulgarian former footballer Hristo Stoichkov and caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev. This gold was the first for Bulgaria's weightlifters since Milen Dobrev's win in Athens in 2004.

Speaking to the media, Nasar said: "I always keep my word, and I am returning home with my head held high. We must recognize that we are Bulgarians, and as such, we should always speak with confidence." Nasar attributed his decisive victory to the overwhelming support from his fellow Bulgarians, stating that their backing filled him with joy and motivation. He announced plans to change weight categories, making future competitions more interesting. Nasar dedicated his medal to his late coach, Iliyan Iliev, emphasizing that it was his coach's victory, not just his own. He expressed his determination to keep winning as long as he is seen as a champion by the people who support him.

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Trud wrote about Semen Novikov’s Olympic gold and Bulgaria's resurgence in men's Olympic sports. Although not born in Bulgaria, Novikov has been competing under the Bulgarian flag for two years and has now become the first Bulgarian male to win Olympic gold in weightlifting since 2004. His victory marks a significant moment, as the past two decades have seen women dominate Bulgaria's Olympic success. Novikov's journey mirrors that of Armenian-born wrestler Armen Nazaryan, who also won Olympic gold for Bulgaria. Novikov's success, achieved at age 26, sets the stage for potential future achievements leading up to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

POLITICS

bTV reported on the ongoing discussions about the formation of prime minister-designate Goritsa Grancharova-Kozhareva's caretaker cabinet. Several current caretaker ministers, including those of finance, education, and culture, are expected to retain their posts. Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov has expressed willingness to join the cabinet but hasn't been invited yet. Grancharova-Kozhareva has until August 19 to finalize her team, with the new government needing to be sworn in by August 20.

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Dnevnik and BNR also wrote about the possibility of some incumbent caretaker ministers to continue serving in the new caretaker government under Grancharova-Kozhareva. Dnevnik said that Interior Minister Kalin Stoyanov expressed uncertainty about continuing to serve in the new cabinet, noting that Grancharova-Kozhareva is under political pressure regarding her choice of interior minister. Stoyanov emphasized the impartiality of the Interior Ministry and rejected accusations that it could be used to manipulate election results. 

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Duma wrote about the participation of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) in the upcoming parliamentary elections. Acting BSP Chair Atanas Zafirov spoke at a press briefing and confirmed that BSP will participate as part of a coalition. BSP's National Council set criteria for MP nominations and authorized the party leadership to finalize coalition details and candidate registrations. The Council also addressed internal issues. The meeting was described as constructive, with decisions made nearly unanimously.

SOCIETY

24 Chasa wrote about a dangerous new trend among teenagers that involves snorting a powdered stimulant that substitutes for coffee and energy drinks. The product, easily ordered online, is marketed as a quick energy booster but poses serious health risks, including potential overdose and addiction. Specialists warn about its unregulated content and the severe effects of its ingredients, such as high doses of caffeine and psychostimulants, which can lead to heart problems, anxiety, and other adverse effects. Despite these risks, the product remains accessible to minors, raising concerns about consumer safety and regulatory oversight. The article cites anaesthesiologist Boris Tablov and clinical psychologist Tsveta Tamanova.

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Mediapool wrote that around 111,000 Bulgarians are experiencing water supply disruptions in early August, affecting several towns and villages across multiple districts. Caretaker Regional Development Minister Violeta Koritarova urged residents to limit non-essential water use and highlighted the need for long-term solutions, such as constructing new dams and water sources. The government is currently focusing on short-term measures, including state-funded projects to improve water infrastructure. Koritarova emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive, long-term water management strategy, noting that previous efforts have been insufficient.

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BNT reported on Sofia's increased efforts to combat car racing and reckless driving in high-risk areas. Police have deployed more powerful vehicles to better manage speeding and late-night races. Several drivers were ticketed for noisy vehicles, and numerous checks revealed unlicensed drivers and instances of driving under the influence. Authorities emphasized the importance of responsible driving, noting that a significant number of serious accidents this month have resulted in fatalities and injuries.

HEALTHCARE

Mediapool quoted Chief State Health Inspector Angel Kunchev as saying that there was a recent uptick in Covid-19 cases in Bulgaria, although the actual numbers are likely much higher. The virus now primarily affects the upper respiratory tract, and most cases are mild, leading to underreporting. He emphasized that the situation is far from pandemic levels. He also noted a rise in summer viruses, particularly salmonella, and a significant increase in Lyme disease cases. While measles remains under control, global monitoring continues for potential threats from influenza and bird flu, though no immediate risks have been identified.

WILDFIRES

BNT and Dnevnik cover the large fire that has erupted in North Macedonia, some 3 km away from the Bulgarian border. Smoke was visible from many locations in southwestern Bulgaria. Fire brigade and forestry teams from Simitli and Blagoevgrad headed to the border to assess the situation, with heavy equipment on standby. Currently nearby Bulgarian villages face no danger, but local authorities advised residents and farmers to remain cautious and monitor smoke levels, especially at night. Forestry and fire brigade units continuously monitor the fire's progress.