site.btaMedia Review: October 17

HEADLINES

No single story dominates Thursday's headlines. 24 Chasa and Segabg.com report on Judge Vladislava Tsarigradska, who spoke of widespread abuse of power in the judiciary, including wiretapping, media pressure, and personal threats. Trud, Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) and Nova TV report on statements by Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev, who, in an interview in Brussels, announced Bulgaria’s intention to request an interim report on euro area readiness once price stability is achieved, while also discussing National Recovery and Resilience Plan funds, the release of the two Bulgarian sailors from the hijacked Galaxy Leader ship, and efforts to tackle vote-buying. Duma writes about Vice President Iliana Iotova's criticism of Borislav Sarafov's nomination for Prosecutor General, calling it a sign of the judiciary's failure and the reversal of key reforms. Telegraf, Bulgarian National Television (BNT), Nova TV, BNR and Mediapool.bg report on President Rumen Radev's statement that he would refuse to sign a decree appointing Borislav Sarafov as Prosecutor General, but noted the procedure is set for January, allowing time for further developments. bTV and BNT report on software engineer Petko Piskov, accused of orchestrating a scheme to siphon funds from state theatres, who denied any wrongdoing and criticized the prosecutor for bias, stating that theatre directors are the ones who controlled salary transfers.

POLITICS

Trud, bTV, BNT, Nova TV and BNR report on Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev's announcement that Bulgaria will request an interim report on its readiness to join the euro area once the final condition on price stability is met. Glavchev also addressed questions regarding funds from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, the release of the Bulgarian sailors from the Galaxy Leader, which was hijacked by Yemen's Houthis in November 2023, and the recent police and prosecution efforts to combat vote-buying.

JUDICIARY

24 Chasa, bTV, Nova TV, BNR, Segabg, Mediapool, Dnevnik, and Trud report on Judge Vladislava Tsarigradska, who, in an interview with bTV, revealed that 150 wiretapping permits had been issued against members of the judiciary, calling it a blatant abuse of power. She further noted that pressure was exerted through media campaigns and slander. She also disclosed that she had been personally persecuted and threatened, with some threats directed at her children. Tsarigradska expressed her belief that these threats were not solely aimed at her but targeted the judiciary as an institution, thereby undermining judicial independence, integrity, and fairness. 

24 Chasa focuses on Tsarigradska's statements about the misconduct of the former prosecutor general, Sotir Tsatsarov, who allegedly used euphemisms to intimidate a three-member panel of judges.

bTV reported on Tsarigradska's proposal to acting Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov to appoint her as his deputy. She called for an investigation into judicial officials who violate the law, asserting, "Someone should investigate the officials in the judicial system who break the law to ensure justice for all." She challenged Sarafov to allow her to conduct a public investigation, urging him to make a proposal before his potential election as Prosecutor General, if he is truly unafraid.

Mediapool.bg adds that Tsarigradska criticized the lack of action on threats from Ilko Zahariev, known as the Red Pirate, and the late Martin "The Notary" Bozhanov, suspected of being an influence broker within the judiciary. She raised concerns about influence networks targeting judges and revealed that her Ministry of Interior appointed security detail was removed without notice, with protection now provided by the Ministry of Justice.

Sega.bg focuses on details of Tsarigradska's testimony before the Judges College of the Supreme Judicial Council. Tsarigradska revealed that judges are being investigated based on anonymous tips, keeping them under prosecutorial control. She highlighted absurd allegations, such as judges being accused of collaborating with foreign embassies or being part of organized crime networks. Tsarigradska also mentioned that there are around 800 prosecutorial files against judges, with a sharp increase since the creation of the special prosecution service in 2006. She spoke of the use of special surveillance means against magistrates, questioning whether such tactics undermine judicial independence. Despite her inquiries, Tsarigradska has yet to receive answers regarding whether she was wiretapped during the period she received threats.

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Nova TV, BNR and other outlets report that acting Prosecutor General Sarafov has directed acting Interior Ministry Secretary General Miroslav Rashkov to provide a report on threats made against Pleven Regional Court Judge Vladislava Tsarigradska and her family.

Nova TV focused on the report, which is due by October 22. It follows Tsarigradska's testimony before the Judges College of the Supreme Judicial Council. Sarafov requested that the report include data from both the Interior Ministry and the Ministry of Justice, with instructions to handle any classified information in line with the Classified Information Protection Act.

BNR reported that the prosecution service explained that Sarafov also requested details on the protection provided to the judge by the Judicial Security Directorate at the Ministry of Justice.

Mediapool.bg adds that the prosecution service has not provided updated on the status of the case on threats against Tsarigradska or the investigation into the late Bozhanov, suspected of being an influence broker within the judiciary. Bozhanov, who was linked to the Ministry of Interior, allegedly hosted magistrates at his private club, but no action was taken against him during his lifetime.

Dnevnik.bg provides a full recap of an initial statement by Sarafov, who told 24 Chasa that Tsarigradska, who has been outspoken about criminal networks targeting judges, jokingly suggested becoming his deputy during a February conversation. He noted the position remains vacant. Tsarigradska later explained to bTV that her comment was in jest, criticizing the prosecution for not acting against the head of the press service, Veselin Ivanov, for spreading slander. Tsarigradska challenged Sarafov to let her investigate cases of public interest. After her hearing on Tuesday, Tsarigradska said Sarafov's candidacy for Prosecutor General, without addressing concerns about his integrity, is a demonstration to the public that the influence networks she speaks of are unstoppable.

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bTV, BNT, BNR, and Sega.bg report that the Bulgarian Judges Association voiced opposition to Borislav Sarafov's nomination as prosecutor general, arguing that the expired mandate of the Supreme Judicial Council should prevent its members from making decisions tied to constitutionally defined mandates. On October 10, the SJC plenary nominated Sarafov for the position. Sarafov, currently serving as acting Prosecutor General following Ivan Geshev's dismissal in June 2023, is the sole candidate for the role.

Sega.bg covers the story in more depth, the Bulgarian Judges Association's criticism against Sarafov for failing to explain why, as Geshev's deputy, he did not publicly address actions by the latter, which damaged the judiciary's reputation. Despite serving as acting Prosecutor General for over a year, Sarafov has not fulfilled promises to eliminate "bad practices" from Geshev's tenure. No charges have been brought against groups exerting illegitimate influence over magistrates, despite his public commitments. The Association also highlighted the prosecution's failure to conduct timely investigations into threats against judges following the Martin Bozhanov scandal. Sarafov remains the sole candidate for prosecutor general.

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Duma reports on Vice President Iliana Iotova's critique of Sarafov's sole nomination for Prosecutor General, calling it a sign of the judiciary's failure. Iotova argued that the Constitutional Court's ruling, which reversed judicial reforms, revealed the National Assembly's inability to elect a new Supreme Judicial Council.

ECONOMY

bTV reported that Lyubomir Kostov, a senior economist at the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB), predicts that Bulgaria could meet the criteria for eurozone entry within one to two months. Kostov urged workers to begin discussing income growth, citing moderate inflation of 1-2%, which he says provides relief and increases purchasing power. He highlighted strong economic conditions, including a 17% salary rise in the private sector, record employment, and a labour shortage of 200,000 workers. Kostov called for raising the maximum insurable income, increasing the dividend tax, and ending differentiated tax rates for specific sectors to support income growth.

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bTV also reported that Bulgaria and North Macedonia have reaffirmed their commitment to constructing Railway Corridor 8 under the Trans-European Transport Network Regulation. Following a high-level meeting in Brussels, both countries agreed to maintain regular dialogue and form a joint working group to coordinate the cross-border section. The European Commission emphasized Corridor 8's role in boosting mobility, market access, and competitiveness in the Western Balkans, with EU support for modernising railway lines in North Macedonia and Albania.

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Nova TV reported that Bulgaria has dropped to 52nd place in the 2024 global economic freedom rankings, according to the Fraser Institute. The country's weakest areas include the legal system and rule of law, along with declining monetary stability due to high inflation in 2022 and 2023. The Institute for Market Economics (IME) noted that while Bulgaria has seen economic growth over the past 25 years, the recent decline in economic freedom and political instability threatens future development. IME emphasized the need for sound fiscal policies, macroeconomic stability, and anti-corruption efforts to support growth.

CRIME

In a report by bTV, software engineer Petko Piskov, identified as the mastermind behind a scheme to siphon funds from state theatres, defended his innocence, stating, "There is nothing to prove my guilt, and everyone has seen that." He claimed that theatre directors were responsible for initiating salary transfers, and accused the prosecutor of being biased and falsely implicating him. During a press conference, Piskov explained the workings of the software used by cultural institutions, distancing himself from any wrongdoing.

BNT's report adds that despite his explanation, Piskov declined to answer key questions about the embezzlement scheme he is accused of orchestrating. Investigations continue, with about 30 individuals to be questioned regarding fictitious contracts. BGN 410,000, siphoned from theatres in Smolyan and Razgrad, has been recovered. Meanwhile, Marian Bozukov, the new director of the Smolyan Theatre, has annulled electronic signatures and taken steps to prevent further abuses. Inspections by the Ministry of Culture and the Council of Ministers are ongoing. BNR, 24 Chasa and Trud also cover the story.

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Reports from bTV, BNT, Nova TV, BNR, and Mediapool.bg detail an extensive police operation targeting electoral fraud and crime across multiple regions of Bulgaria, with dozens of arrests made ahead of the October 27 snap elections. Nearly 50 individuals have been detained so far. In Blagoevgrad, over 20 people were arrested, with police focusing on private residences, pawnshops, and the Roma neighbourhood, where narcotics and stolen ID cards were found. In Varna, 21 people were arrested, resulting in nine pre-trial proceedings. In Haskovo, five individuals were detained, and authorities seized counterfeit goods, narcotics, and untaxed cigarettes. Additionally, in Lyubimets, lists of names and BGN 15,600 were found, leading to nine arrests and three cases of vote-buying. Across the country, authorities are inspecting high-risk locations such as private homes, commercial sites, pawnshops, and gaming halls.

BNR offered the most comprehensive report, saying that 30 people were detained in Varna, with 621 individuals and 455 vehicles inspected, leading to 13 pre-trial proceedings. Nova TV reported a total of over 70 arrests across various regions, while Mediapool.bg noted that 21 warning protocols were issued in Haskovo. BNT, on the other hand, emphasized that there were no direct vote-buying arrests in Varna, where other criminal activities were addressed.

EDUCATION

BNR reports on the challenges facing Bulgaria's inclusive education system, as highlighted by recent incidents involving children with ADHD and ethnic conflicts. Asya Mandzhukova Stoyanova, chair of the Atypical Mind – ADHD association, warned about societal resistance to children with learning difficulties, emphasizing the stigma and lack of support they face despite many being gifted. Kaloyan Damyanov, director of the Regional Centre for Inclusive Education in Sofia, discussed the broader need for inclusive education in Bulgaria, not only for children with special needs but also for those from different ethnic backgrounds. The discussion also touched on the role of hate speech and parental influence in shaping children's behaviour in schools.

HEALTHCARE

Trud and bTV report that two cases of West Nile fever were recorded in Bulgaria between October 7 and 13, 2024, according to the National Centre for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases (NCIPD). This brings the total number of cases this year to 27, with 15 confirmed in Sofia in September. In contrast, no cases were recorded in 2023. West Nile virus is transmitted through mosquito bites, and while 80% of infected individuals show no symptoms, 20% may develop fever and other symptoms. Less than 1% may suffer from neurological complications. There is no specific treatment or vaccine for the virus.

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Trud, BNR, and BNT report that the collection of expired medicines has started, with designated disposal points available for public use. Antibiotics are particularly dangerous when discarded with household waste, as they can contaminate water and food supplies. Bulgaria and Cyprus rank among the highest users of antibiotics, and global deaths from antibiotic resistance are projected to reach 10 million by 2050. The campaign began in Sofia and will continue in Plovdiv and Varna, with several collection dates scheduled throughout October and November. Since April, 7 tonnes of medicines have been collected in Sofia alone.

ENVIRONMENT

bTV, Nova TV and BNR reported that a fire erupted at an illegal dump site near the borough of Proslav in Plovdiv, affecting 0.3 to 0.4 hectares of construction waste. Chief Inspector Dimitar Brishimov from the Emergency Rescue Unit in Plovdiv said that the fire has been contained, and no harmful substances have been detected in the air. Although smoke might be visible in nearby villages due to strong winds, there is no threat to the population. Firefighters are working to completely extinguish the remaining hotspots. BNR reported that the fire has been contained.

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BNT reported that Sofia Municipality is tackling the illegal landfill in the village of Krivina, located in the Pancharevo region, as part of a comprehensive cleanup plan to be completed by the end of the year. Over 7,000 cubic meters of waste have accumulated at the site, which is now under increased surveillance. The Sofia Inspectorate has carried out inspections, issuing ten violation notices to truck drivers. Plans are underway for the gradual removal of the landfill, and video surveillance will be installed.

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Nova TV and Telegraf report that the government is allocating BGN 706 million in grants to replace old wood-burning stoves with air conditioners, aiming to improve air quality. The programme expects to reduce 2,872 tonnes of fine particulate matter annually by replacing at least 77,000 stoves. Concerns arose over air quality data after claims that monitoring stations were moved to cleaner areas, but the Ministry of Environment and Water denied any data manipulation, citing improved air quality due to green initiatives. Despite this, intentional fires in Sofia's Hristo Botev borough continue to contribute to pollution.