site.btaMedia Review: September 30, 2024

HEADLINES

Bulgaria's efforts to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon dominated Monday's news media headlines. Caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev convened a high-level meeting to discuss safe evacuation measures, while the Foreign Ministry advised against non-essential travel to Israel and noted EU-recommended airspace restrictions. The upcoming parliamentary elections are another front-page topic.

ELECTIONS

Trud and BNT both cover the resolution between the Central Election Commission (CEC) and the Council of Ministers regarding the storage of voting machines ahead of the upcoming snap elections on October 27, 2024. Trud provides details on the discussions that led to the agreement, emphasizing that the caretaker cabinet will secure rental premises for storing the machines. BNT also reported on the finalized agreement, noting that the decision, requested by the CEC, aims to ensure a smooth voting process with the machines. Both outlets highlighted the importance of this decision for the proper conduct of the elections.

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Trud also interviews former deputy chair of the Central Election Commission (CEC) Mihail Konstantinov, who argues that Bulgaria should abandon machine voting, following the example of Europe. He proposes fingerprint voting as an alternative, citing its success in some African countries. Konstantinov criticizes the controversies surrounding machine voting, including disputes over maintenance and storage, and says that the machines undermine trust in the electoral process and should be retired despite the millions already spent on them. Konstantinov suggests a simpler, more secure voting system using tablets for fingerprint voting, which he believes would reduce costs and improve efficiency. He also comments on the upcoming October 27 elections, asserting that a stable government must include GERB-UDF, CC-DB, and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF). Konstantinov believes there is only one MRF – Delyan Peevski’s MRF-New Beginning, while the other faction of MRF – Alliance for Rights and Freedoms (ARF), have practically excluded themselves from MRF.

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In 24 Chasa, political scientist Dimitar Ganev from the Trend polling agency notes that seven parties are close to the threshold for parliamentary representation, potentially setting a new record. Ganev, speaking to bTV, explains that this would make forming a government difficult, as it would likely require a coalition of four parties. He also comments on a pre-election survey conducted for 24 Chasa, showing a slight increase in support for Vazrazhdane, influenced by concerns over laws on sexual education in schools and foreign agents.

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Nova TV and bTV covered the launch of the MRF-New Beginning coalition’s election campaign in Varna, ahead of the snap parliamentary elections on October 27, 2024. More than 800 people gathered at the event. Yordan Tsonev, who tops the Varna list of candidates, said it was an honour to lead the list and emphasized the need to lift the community out of stagnation. He thanked supporters for their unity under Delyan Peevski's leadership, calling MRF a key political force. The entire Varna list and other national leaders were also present.

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Nova TV featured a discussion on the upcoming 51st Parliament with journalist Plamena Ignatova, media expert Nidal Algafari, and political analyst Slavi Vasilev. The panel explored key questions about post-election governance and potential coalitions after October 27. Ignatova noted that the election campaign unofficially began following the recent confrontations in the National Assembly. Algafari argued that Bulgaria lacks a traditional election campaign model. Vasilev emphasized the dysfunction of Bulgarian parliamentarism, suggesting that stable majorities and effective policies are unlikely to emerge.

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Mediapool is reproducing Facebook posts by Ivaylo Mirchev, a candidate for MP from CC-DB, who claims that Delyan Peevski is orchestrating widespread vote-buying in Bulgaria through individuals with mafia-style nicknames. Mirchev provides ten arguments countering the Interior Minister's claims that measures are being taken to stop vote-buying, naming key figures as responsible for coordinating the operation in different regions. In two posts thus far, he lists the dealers in vote-buying across the country, by constituency.

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Duma covers the launch of the BSP - United Left coalition election campaign in Yambol, which focuses on policies aimed at supporting young people. The campaign, held in Yambol, introduces the First Job! First Home! First Child! initiative, outlining measures to help young people secure employment, housing, and start families. Key policies include income tax exemptions for young workers, State subsidies for first-time homebuyers, and increased financial support for families with children. The event features representatives from the BSP - United Left list, who engage with youth and present their 100 solutions for Bulgaria's accelerated development.

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Duma also has an interview with Ivan Ivanov, leader of the BSP - United Left list in Ruse, who calls for diplomatic efforts to secure peace, citing the economic harm of the Ukraine war on Bulgaria. He criticizes European policies that negatively affect the country and insists North Macedonia must meet its EU commitments. Ivanov highlights the need for reforms in the Ministry of Interior, modernization of the military, and warns against legislative proposals that could harm families and Bulgarian industries.

POLITICS

Nova TV featured two opinions on Bulgaria's Recovery and Resilience Plan and its impact on the energy sector.

Toshko Yordanov, the floor leader of There is Such a People (TISP), expressed strong opposition to the plan, particularly changes to the Energy Act that he argues will lead to the closure of the Maritsa Basin mines, threatening 30,000 jobs. He emphasized that TISP and BSP have opposed the plan from the start and criticized the failure to renegotiate its terms. Yordanov also highlighted how carbon quotas and rising electricity costs burden for the Maritsa power plants and called for removing the carbon emissions requirement.

Dimitar Manolov, President of the Podkrepa trade union, placed the blame for the mismanagement of the Recovery and Resilience Plan on those who drafted it, not the State. He pointed out that the Maritsa East mines cannot cover reclamation costs due to low coal prices set by the State. He suggested that the establishment of a new enterprise could help access funds from the plan but expressed concerns about the inefficiencies in Bulgaria's contractor and subcontractor relationships.

FOREIGN RELATIONS

Trud, 24 Chasa, Dnevnik, Telegraf, Bulgarian National Radio (BNR), Nova TV, Bulgaria National Television (BNT), bTV and Mediapool all cover the Bulgarian government's preparations to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev convened meetings with representatives from various ministries and services to coordinate the safe evacuation of Bulgarians wishing to leave Lebanon, prioritizing families with children and vulnerable groups. The Foreign Ministry advised Bulgarian citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon and Israel, urging those already in these countries to leave immediately. Personal accounts from Bulgarians in Beirut described the situation as a "real nightmare," highlighting the urgency of the evacuation efforts.

Nova TV, Telegraf and Mediapool include personal stories and background on escalating tensions. BNR detailed the evacuation plan and mentioned that President Radev has been informed of it.

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Trud reports on Member of European Parliament from the European People’s Party Andrey Kovatchev criticizing Skopje for failing to meet the EU negotiation framework while blaming Bulgaria for its delays. Kovatchev points out issues such as discrimination against Bulgarians in North Macedonia, hate speech, and historical falsifications. Kovatchev speaks of Bulgaria's support for Western Balkan integration but urges North Macedonia to adhere to the 2017 Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighbourliness and Cooperation. He says that 120,000 to 140,000 people from North Macedonia have obtained Bulgarian citizenship and calls on the Bulgarian Parliament to address the misuse of Bulgarian citizenship as a political tool, citing examples like the mayor of Skopje and other officials. Kovatchev urges Parliament to resolve the ongoing issue by finally approving the public register of citizenship recipients.

ECONOMY

Mediapool carries an extensive report on controversial changes in the leadership of Sofia's municipal companies, particularly the decision to eliminate the position of deputy executive director at Metropoliten, responsible for metro operations. The move, opposed by executive director Stoyan Bratoev, has raised concerns about the safety and effective management of the metro. In correspondence to the board of Metropoliten, municipal councillor Vanya Grigorova criticized the decision, stating that it leaves Bratoev without proper oversight and could undermine the metro’s operation and safety. Grigorova's concerns suggest the changes are arbitrary and aimed at obstructing Bratoev’s work. Critics, including Boris Bonev from CC-DB and Save Sofia, accuse GERB of trying to sabotage the metro by undermining Bratoev after failing to remove him entirely. Bonev warns that the elimination of Bratoev’s deputy could destabilize the metro’s operations. The changes are part of broader shifts in municipal companies, leading to political tensions and legal challenges over the appointments.

CRIME

Multiple media outlets cover the arrest of Nikola Nikolov, known as Paskal, in Serbia on September 27. Nikolov is considered a top smuggling suspect in Bulgaria. This follows earlier arrests in April of former Customs Agency director Petya Bankova and others, who face pre-trial proceedings for organized crime involving smuggling, money laundering, and bribery.

Trud focuses on details of the detention. Dnevnik covers the political background of the arrests, which garnered significant attention as Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) Chair Delyan Peevski used it as a platform to criticize Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB). Following the arrests, leaked photos in online publications showed a poodle and bundles of EUR banknotes, photos of former Interior Ministry secretary general Zhivko Kotsev with the poodle, and former interior minister Boyko Rashkov with that same poodle. Peevski labelled the coalition as "the party of poodles". The entire scenario unfolded after it became clear that there would be no rotation of prime ministers and Maria Gabriel (GERB) would not be replacing Nikolay Denkov (CC-DB).

BNR provided a short update of the fact of the arrest, and Mediapool’s coverage includes statements from Nikola Nikolov’s lawyer.

HEALTHCARE

BNT and Duma report on the Walk with Your Cardiologist event marking World Heart Day, organized by the Bulgarian Society of Cardiology (BSC) under the motto Act with Heart. The event in Sofia includes a walk with cardiologists at South Park and a drone show above the National Palace of Culture. Similar walks will occur in major cities across Bulgaria to emphasize the importance of regular physical activity for preventing cardiovascular diseases.

Additionally, iconic buildings will be illuminated in red, and Heart Week will be held in schools to educate students about cardiovascular health. BSC highlighted the ongoing issue of cardiovascular diseases as the leading cause of death in Bulgaria and globally, with prevention efforts aiming to promote healthy lifestyles and early intervention.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

Telegraf, BNT, and bTV cover the severe storm that struck parts of Bulgaria, causing significant damage and disruptions. Telegraf reports on the storm hitting Burgas, with images shared on social media of collapsed roofs and heavy downpours. A reader describes the storm as one of the worst they had ever seen. BNT focused on the damage in Plovdiv, where high winds toppled billboards and scaffolding, although no serious injuries were reported. bTV highlighted the impact of the storm in other regions, particularly the power outages that left over 30 settlements without electricity due to strong winds and heavy rain. Repairs were ongoing in affected areas.