site.btaMedia Review: November 20

THE HEADLINES

Wednesday's news media are dominated by the launch of a new latest-generation artificial intelligence chatbot designed by INSAIT to work in Bulgarian language and the controversy surrounding the Council of Ministers' decision to provide a building in downtown Sofia to the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF)-New Beginning parliamentary group, sparking accusations that the government is catering to the interests of MRF-New Beginning. 24 Chasa, Trud and bTV report on updates to the ongoing efforts to secure the release of the Bulgarian sailors from the Galaxy Leader cargo ship, hijacked by Houthi rebels in Yemen in 2023. Duma writes about BSP's call for the Buzludzha Monument to be handed over to the party, with leader Atanas Zafirov pledging its restoration and criticizing the State's inaction. Telegraf writes about an expected increase next year in retirement benefits.

POLITICS

All dailies report on the controversy surrounding the Council of Ministers' decision to provide an office building in downtown Sofia to MRF-New Beginning, led by Delyan Peevski. 24 Chasa, Trud, Nova TV, BNT and BNR, Dnevnik, Sega.bg and Mediapool.bg report on a news conference held by MPs of CC-DB, who slammed the decision, claiming that institutions, among which the National Revenue Agency and the InvestBulgaria Agency, were evicted from the building without alternatives.

CC-DB raised concerns about the lack of transparency and coordination in the decision-making process. CC-DB's Bogdan Bogdanov questioned how the same institutions that officially asked to use the entire building just months ago did a complete turnaround and managed to "gather the required signatures to relinquish the use of this building without even knowing where they are supposed to be relocated to". Bogdanov said that, with the support of the caretaker government, allegedly controlled by GERB leader Boyko Borissov, Peevski is orchestrating actions to "capture the State." CC-DB said they intend to alert acting Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov.

Additionally, Dnevnik, Nova TV, bTV, BNR and BNT report on mounting criticism from President Rumen Radev regarding the government’s decision on the building. President Radev alleged that the caretaker cabinet is under the influence of Delyan Peevski, calling the move an example of "corruption eroding state institutions."

Trud, Nova TV, BNT and Mediapool.bg cover caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev's confirmation that MRF-New Beginning requested new offices for headquarters, with the request signed by Delyan Peevski. Glavchev said he prefers that the party operates from headquarters rather than protesting outside the Council of Ministers. He added that the law entitles political parties to ask for and receive buildings for their headquarters.

Mediapool.bg and BNR provide a more in-depth view of Glavchev's statements. Glavchev confirmed that the building was legally provided to the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF), not to Delyan Peevski specifically. Glavchev clarified that the allocation followed proper procedure and the law and said he specifically asked about whether the State agencies have relinquished their request to use the premises. Any further questions should be directed toward those institutions, he said.

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24 Chasa, Trud and BNT write about BNT's interview with Tomislav Donchev of GERB-UDF, who said that his party is actively working to form a government, unlike other parties, which he accused of planning for the next snap elections. "We are the only ones motivated to form a government."

Donchev highlighted ongoing talks with the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) and There is Such a People (TISP), describing them as “professional and well-meaning,” aimed at easing political tensions. He referred to the dialogue with BSP as a “new genre in Bulgarian politics,” given the historical improbability of such cooperation. Donchev also emphasized the importance of trust and respect in building bridges between political factions, adding that GERB-UDF remains open to talks with Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) if such meetings are not used as "pre-election events."

Regarding the political deadlock, Donchev blamed the cordons sanitaire that parties have built around themselves, saying, "We are in a situation where nobody can work with anyone." He criticized CC-DB’s approach to isolating Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF)-New Beginning leader Delyan Peevski, calling it "a heavy dose of hypocrisy," and saying "It is unacceptable to compel someone to disavow someone else from a moral standpoint, given the fact they have had many more interactions with that individual".

Donchev stressed the urgent need for a "strong, professional government" to address Bulgaria’s challenges, close societal divides, and ensure the passage of key legislation. "Bulgaria desperately needs efforts to de-escalate political tensions," he said and dismissed suggestions to withdraw GERB’s nomination for National Assembly chair, Raya Nazaryan, saying, "The chair must come from the largest political force."

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Trud features an interview with Borislav Tsekov, who criticized media bias in reporting on the U.S. elections, praising Trump’s "triumphant return" and its potential global impact. Tsekov said Trump’s re-election signals a shift in U.S. politics, forming a new "Trump coalition" that could dominate for a decade. He predicted Trump will dismantle policies like the Paris Climate Agreement and gender ideology, influencing Europe to follow suit.

Commenting on Bulgaria, Tsekov declared the country "a paradise for bureaucracy and a hell for citizens and businesses," advocating for drastic administrative cuts. He said Bulgarian political parties are incapable of reform, criticizing "pretences" like cordons de sanitaire and constitutional changes. Addressing corruption, Tsekov condemned the lack of accountability for high-level corruption and urged for qualified, independent judges rather than superficial judicial reforms. He also denounced "hypocrisy" among politicians who, while promoting anti-corruption agendas, are allegedly involved in grand corruption schemes. Tsekov concluded that Bulgaria's future depends on adopting bold reforms and rejecting politically motivated divides.

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Nova TV hosted a discussion with political analyst Rumyana Kolarova and the Chair of the Strategic Institute for National Policies and Ideas, Kaloyan Pargov, on whether the Bulgarian Parliament is moving toward compromise or another early election. Pargov called the situation a political crisis, criticizing parties for prioritizing divisions over unity and pointing to systemic issues like vote-buying accusations. He stressed that election monitoring tools, such as video footage, should serve as evidence, not mere informational aids. Kolarova argued that parties lack commitment to governance, focusing instead on early elections, which she said destabilizes the democratic system. Both analysts proposed Natalia Kiselova (BSP-United Left) as a stronger candidate for a National Assembly chair, with Kolarova noting her qualifications surpass those of the current chair.

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Mediapool.bg and Sega.bg report that GERB refuses to withdraw Raya Nazaryan's nomination for Chair of the National Assembly, rejecting CC-DB's proposal to elect Silvi Kirilov from There is Such a People (TISP) as a temporary chair to unblock parliamentary proceedings. GERB members argue that Nazaryan represents the will of the voters and dismiss claims of political stubbornness. "This is not about political obstinacy but about respecting the people’s will," said Denitsa Sacheva.

Daniel Mitov criticized CC-DB’s support for Kirilov as a "step toward new elections," claiming it aims to position Kirilov as a future caretaker prime minister. "CC-DB does not seek a parliamentary chair but a potential caretaker prime minister," he said.

GERB's Yordanka Fandakova echoed these concerns, questioning why CC-DB opposes Nazaryan yet supports Kirilov. GERB maintains that parliamentary chair position is not a "technical matter" but central to forming a government, signalling that they are only willing to negotiate on broader governance issues.

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Sega.bg reports on Yordan Tsonev, a former right-hand-man to MRF founder Ahmed Dogan and now a member of the rival MRF-New Beginning coalition of Delyan Peevski, who criticized CC-DB during a BNT interview. Tsonev labelled CC-DB as anarchists for breaking the tradition of the largest party nominating the national assembly chair, despite MRF's own vote against GERB’s candidate, Raya Nazaryan. Tsonev predicted another round of early elections in Bulgaria.

He also accused MRF's honorary chair Ahmed Dogan of undermining the party's unity, claiming Dogan opposed Delyan Peevski's rise to leadership and sabotaged GERB-UDF’s cabinet efforts in the previous parliament. Tsonev criticized Dogan for fostering ethnic divisions, alleging that Turkish-origin supporters of Peevski were unfairly labelled traitors, reducing the party's cohesion to ethnic lines.

ECONOMY

Mediapool reported that Bulgartransgaz has decided to divide the contract for drilling new wells at the Chiren gas storage facility into smaller segments. This decision comes after Glavbolgarstroy withdrew from its initial contract for BGN 221 million. 

Bulgartransgaz is now assessing market prices for three vertical wells, a move that could lead to increased project costs and extend the completion date beyond the previously anticipated late 2024 or early 2025. 

The previous change from vertical to horizontal wells triggered an investigation by the European Public Prosecutor's Office into alleged misuse of EU funds related to changes in drilling specifications. The impact of ending the previous public procurement agreement and launching a new one with a reduced scope on the investigation is uncertain.

Bulgartransgaz suffered no financial losses from the terminated agreement, but questions persist regarding the selection criteria for specific wells and the overall project timeline. 

BULGARIA'S OECD MEMBERSHIP

Nova TV, bTV and BNT highlight the statement by Minister of Innovation and Growth Rosen Karadimov that Bulgaria’s accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is a top national priority.

During a meeting with OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann in Paris, Karadimov reaffirmed Bulgaria’s commitment to meeting the organization's recommendations despite domestic political instability. Cormann confirmed Bulgaria’s membership is anticipated in the fall of 2025, expressing satisfaction with the country's progress.

Karadimov emphasized that OECD membership will unlock Bulgaria's economic potential, enhance growth, boost competitiveness, and elevate the country’s international economic reputation. He highlighted that adherence to OECD standards signifies stability, reliability, and commitment to progressive economic policies, which will attract foreign investments and strengthen investor confidence.

Key areas discussed included digital economy and investment, for which Bulgaria has made significant strides, culminating in the closure of the "digital policy" chapter at the 94th OECD Digital Policy Committee session. Karadimov also outlined plans to strengthen the Bulgarian Investment Agency’s capacity as part of broader reforms supporting the accession process.

THE CAPTURED BULGARIAN SAILORS

Trud and bTV cover the ongoing plight of the two Bulgarian ship captains, Lyubomir Chanev and Danail Veselinov, who have been held captive by the Houthi movement in Yemen for over a year.

Recently, the captives were moved to a safer location in the Yemeni capital, Sana'a, according to Member of European Parliament Elena Yoncheva. This relocation from the port city of Hodeidah provides increased security and potential access to the only operational airport in Yemen, which could facilitate their eventual release.

Yoncheva, who met with the captains two months ago, described their living conditions as extremely difficult, both physically and mentally. She stays in regular contact with Yemeni authorities and confirmed that the crew, who were previously kept on the ship, have now been brought ashore. Yoncheva noted that this relocation is a positive step, indicating potential progress in negotiations with the Houthis.

President Rumen Radev responded to questions on the topic and stressed the importance of "quiet diplomacy" in resolving the situation. He said significant efforts are underway, though he could share no further details at the time. 

The Council of Ministers also responded to questions on the progress of the release procedure. The response highlighted the complexity of the case, citing geopolitical instability in the region as a major obstacle to a swift resolution. They reaffirmed that Bulgarian institutions are maintaining active communication with the Houthi movement and international partners to secure the captains' release.

AI

All dailies report on the launch of INSAIT's Bulgarian-language AI chatbot, unveiled at Sofia University's Rector's Office. Caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev praised the initiative as vital for preserving the Bulgarian language digitally, while caretaker Minister of Education Galin Tsokov highlighted its significance for national security and education, envisioning AI-driven personalized learning.

Martin Vechev, Chair of INSAIT’s Supervisory Board, emphasized the importance of countries developing their own AI technologies and noted the model's robust data privacy, allowing safe institutional integration. Sofia University Rector Georgi Valchev called it a testament to Bulgaria's intellectual potential, addressing ethical AI concerns.

bTV included a statement by Anton Alexandrov, one of the lead researchers, who said the AI was trained on works by Hristo Botev and Ivan Vazov. "It won't be as good as a real poet, but it can provide ideas and write a rhyming poem," Alexandrov remarked.