site.btaMedia Review: December 10

Acting Prosecutor General Boris Sarafov's request to lift MP Kiril Petkov's immunity and the investigation into his role in Boyko Borissov's 2022 arrest dominate Tuesday's headlines.

POLITICS

All dailies report on Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov's request to lift Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) Co-chair Kiril Petkov’s immunity over the illegal arrest of GERB leader Boyko Borissov. Sarafov claims that as prime minister, Petkov exceeded his authority by instructing police chiefs to initiate pre-trial proceedings outside their jurisdiction, ordering searches without court authorization, and detaining Borissov and others to harm their reputation.

The prosecution service says “This resulted in significant negative consequences for the State, damaging the prestige of the executive branch.” The alleged crime falls under Article 282 of the Penal Code and carries a potential prison sentence of 1 to 8 years.

The Sofia City Prosecution Office has submitted extensive evidence to the National Assembly, including witness testimonies, written documents, and video recordings. According to the supervising prosecutor, this evidence is sufficient to press charges against Petkov.

Sarafov’s request comes amidst heightened political tensions, requiring parliamentary approval or Petkov’s written consent to proceed with legal actions, as per the Constitution of Bulgaria.

***

Trud writes that Kiril Petkov announced his willingness to give up his immunity immediately, saying he has nothing to fear. "I will immediately give up my immunity. I am not afraid of anything. This thing right now is Mr. [Delyan] Peevski's doing, because he is the one who is afraid," Petkov said.

Referring to a recent confrontation in the National Assembly, Petkov claims to have stood up to Peevski, adding, "He is used to everyone flattering him, fearing him. We will remove all his "bludgeons". Sarafov will not be the prosecutor general."

Petkov urged Bulgarians to stand against fear: "We must not be intimidated by these thugs. The era of the captured state is coming to an end. If we unite and reclaim our country, they will be the ones who are afraid." He expresses his commitment to securing Bulgaria's future, stating, "We will fight until we reclaim our country." He also mentioned that he has not overstepped his authority.

Telegraf also quoted Petkov's statements on social media. "You know the end of your bludgeon Sarafov is near, and you are now brandishing weapons. Pathetic mobsters! I will relinquish my immunity immediately."

Mediapool.bg reports that acting Prosecutor General Sarafov's actions may carry immediate political repercussions. This development could jeopardize even the slim chances for negotiations between GERB-UDF and CC-DB toward forming a regular government. Mediapool.bg also provides background on the circumstances surrounding Borissov's arrest back in 2022.

***

Dnevnik quotes GERB leader Boyko Borissov, who calls Sarafov’s request to lift Kiril Petkov’s immunity "delayed justice." 

"I am truly upset about what transpired yesterday. I have absolutely no connection to it. On a personal level, I have already come to terms with what happened for the sake of maintaining the patchwork coalition (…) This is delayed justice, but it should not affect the possibility of forming a government; rather, it should do the opposite," Borissov said.

He vowed that GERB will still engage in dialogue with CC-DB, though it will not allow them to define anything about changes to law enforcement. Borissov noted that he should be prime minister, if strong government is the goal. He pointed out that if a cabinet is not formed with the first mandate, it likely will not happen later. He warned that failing to form a government may lead to an endless cycle of elections.

***

Nova TV reported that Borissov criticized what he termed “delayed justice” regarding the requested lifting of Kiril Petkov’s immunity. “We are the victims, not them,” Borissov said, contrasting Petkov’s situation with his own experience of being detained and humiliated. He argued that both the Bulgarian court and US authorities had deemed his arrest illegal, questioned why Petkov’s immunity was challenged only now, and emphasized that he had previously swallowed his pride for the sake of stability of the patchwork coalition.

"Did anything really happen to him? He has not even been charged. Was he in the cell last night? Did he have to urinate in buckets like we did? Was he given a vomit-stained blanket? Was he dragged out in front of his children? We are the victims, not them. So what if they want to lift his immunity? They asked for my immunity also, but there was no outcry then."

***

Trud and Bulgarian National Television (BNT) report on CC-DB MP Bozhidar Bozhanov’s comments regarding the request for Kiril Petkov's immunity, calling it a political move and highlighting the need for judicial reform. "The prosecution service has become a tool. It seems [Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF)-New Beginning leader Delyan] Peevski is now afraid we will take this tool away," Bozhanov said.

Bozhanov mentioned a recent parliamentary exchange between Petkov and Peevski: "From the third row, I heard Peevski mention Borissov's arrest. What does this tell us? It seems he had prior information or ordered the request for Petkov's immunity."

On the formation of a regular cabinet, Bozhanov emphasized the importance of fulfilling CC-DB's key demands: "We are ready for talks, but we will demand complete isolation of Delyan Peevski, halting Sarafov's election, replacing all [heads of] regulators, whose term has expired, and electing a new Supreme Judicial Council." He added that the declaration for a cordon sanitaire around Peevski must be implemented in full.

Bozhanov also addressed the possibility of an equidistant prime minister: "We are calling for a neutral figure, someone who is not a prominent political figure, to calm the situation. We do not insist that this figure be nominated by us."

He reiterated that CC-DB will not engage with Vazrazhdane under any circumstances, stating, "I think this topic is closed."

***

bTV reported that acting Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov refuted claims of a private meeting with MRF-New Beginning leader Delyan Peevski. In an interview with 24 Chasa, Sarafov described CC-DB MP Ivaylo Mirchev’s allegation as entirely untrue. He explained that he had only met publicly with two politicians – Vazrazhdane MP Petar Petrov and former Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) MP Georgi Svilenski – during a roundtable on traffic safety at the Palace of Justice.

On the same day, Sarafov held several meetings with colleagues in preparation for an upcoming international business trip. At those meetings, Sarafov supported Sofia Prosecution Service's proposal to seek the immunity of Petkov. He also mentioned that the court had previously ruled the arrest of GERB leader Boyko Borissov and two others as unlawful.

Sarafov also said that the request for Petkov's immunity was entirely unrelated to the recently introduced amendment to the Judicial System Act, which aimed to halt the ongoing selection process for a new prosecutor general.

***

Trud also reports that CC will only negotiate forming a government with parties that support dismantling the so-called Peevski model. "Working together with Vazrazhdane is not possible because of differences in values," CC's official statement says.

***

24 Chasa reports on tensions within CC-DB over potential negotiations with GERB leader Boyko Borissov. Democratic Bulgaria (DB) signals openness to talks, while Continue the Change (CC) remains firm in opposing cooperation without adherence to their conditions.

CC's Kiril Petkov emphasizes that "this sanitary cordon is not just a declaration; it’s about whether we are ready to ignore the Peevski model of corruption. No, we are not ready." DB, represented by Nadezhda Yordanova, supports forming a pro-European government with a neutral prime minister, adding that "our priority is a regular cabinet to adopt the budget and advance Eurozone membership."

Mediapool.bg also reports on DB's position ahead of the rounds of consultation with President Radev on December 10.

BNT reported that CC announced it would negotiate for forming a government solely with parties that have signed the declaration establishing a cordon sanitaire around Delyan Peevski. However, CC clarified that if its coalition partner, DB, chose to engage with GERB despite the absence of such a signature, CC would respect that decision.

***

Nova TV featured political analysts Milen Lyubenov and Hristo Panchugov commenting on the ongoing government formation efforts.

Lyubenov suggested that if Boyko Borissov were the prime ministerial candidate under the first mandate, it would likely fail, pushing Bulgaria toward new elections in March. He also expected that once the annulled vote issue was resolved, the Velichie [Grandeur] party would gain representation in the 51st National Assembly.

Panchugov noted that there were objective reasons for a governing majority to emerge in this parliament and doubted any difference if the first mandate failed. He believed GERB would not rush into forming a government and said that the Constitutional Court’s decision would not substantially alter the parliamentary balance.

***

Mediapool.bg publishes an opinion piece by Daniel Smilov, who notes that Bulgarian politics increasingly resembles folklore theatre, with parties focusing more on symbolic gestures than on forming a stable governing majority. GERB resists signing political agreements that would exclude Peevski’s MRF-New Beginning, despite pressure from CC-DB. Meanwhile, CC-DB’s demands for a sanitary cordon against Peevski suggest they want serious talks, yet their signals remain ambiguous. This interplay risks pushing the country toward an eighth round of elections.

Smilov argues that GERB may be seeking new elections to weaken CC-DB, position themselves as Euro-Atlantic champions alongside Peevski, or open the door to alliances with national-populist forces. However, these moves involve significant uncertainties—further political fragmentation, damage to Bulgaria’s international standing, and the potential rise of populist or anti-corruption waves that could ultimately harm GERB and the country’s democratic trajectory. In essence, the rational grounds for forcing another election appear absent, leaving only speculation about hidden dependencies along the axis MRF-New Beginning, and the theatrical flair of party flag-waving.

The Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) also interviewed Smilov, who reiterated his positions and talked about the dangers of pushing the country toward an eighth consecutive election. Smilov said the parties recognize that such a move carries high risks and uncertain outcomes, with significant costs for the nation.

He stressed that responsible parties must approach government formation with seriousness. GERB, he noted, has a good chance to try forming a cabinet, and there is room for negotiations. While the conditions for excluding MRF-New Beginning should not pose a major hurdle, since GERB itself has stated it would not include the group, past instances of seemingly favourable conditions have still led to new elections.

Smilov pointed out that the main differences between GERB and CC-DB revolve around whether MRF-New Beginning's interests should be isolated or not. He argued that the interests of MRF-New Beginning should be a marginal, and not central topic in the government formation talks. He added the election of Nataliya Kiselova as parliamentary chair was a positive decision.

***

Trud writes that a Gallup survey that ran from October 31 to November 8 shows 34% of Bulgarians favour a prime minister not affiliated with a political party. The survey says "Public opinion is split on the ideal profile of a prime minister," with 34% supporting a non-affiliated candidate and nearly a quarter preferring a party leader. Supporters of GERB-UDF and MRF-New Beginning back party leaders, while CC-DB and TISP voters lean toward non-party figures, Gallup noted.

***

Trud also reports on former National Assembly chair Iva Miteva's sharp criticism of MPs and doubts about the stability of the new parliamentary majority. Miteva told the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) "Members of Parliament are not people of their word; they say one thing one day and another the next, and we are all lost in this talk."

She described the election of Nataliya Kiselova as chair of the 51st National Assembly as flawed due to procedural missteps by MPs. "Seeing the election of the chair, I do not believe this is a majority that can be stable or form a cabinet, especially because it is very diverse," Miteva stated.

Focusing on BSP-United Left, Miteva highlighted their lack of support with only 20 MPs and raised concerns about behind-the-scenes dealings. "They will be under pressure every day. The signing of the declaration for a cordon sanitaire around Delyan Peevski appears to have served only to secure their candidate's election," she explained.

Miteva also questioned the BSP’s inconsistency, noting their shift from deeming the declaration unconstitutional to signing it. "This is worrying regarding the way they will approach future laws in the National Assembly," she concluded.

***

24 Chasa Reports on Lena Borislavova's denouncement of sexist remarks in political discourse. In a Facebook post, the CC-DB MP criticized derogatory comments about female politicians, including National Assembly Chair Nataliya Kiselova. "It is easier to attack a woman's appearance rather than her words and actions," Borislavova wrote, noting that such behaviour reveals a lack of meaningful political arguments.

She urged the public to think about the message being sent to future generations: "Think about what message you are conveying, especially if you have children who will grow up in this society." Borislavova called for an end to these practices, saying that they cannot be tolerated.

***

Duma writes about Nataliya Kiselova's priorities as Chair of the National Assembly, focusing on adopting a Budget Act by the year’s end. "My efforts will focus on having a Budget Act adopted by December 31," Kiselova said during her first public event after her election.

Kiselova echoed President Rumen Radev’s call for urgency, saying discussions are planned on holding extraordinary sessions, potentially during the holiday season.

Kiselova also addressed legislative priorities, including halting the election of Borislav Sarafov as Prosecutor General. She noted that two bills on the matter would be reviewed in the Legal Affairs Committee once formed. On being asked about serving as caretaker prime minister, she said "I do not shy away from responsibility."

SCHENGEN

All media outlets report on Austria lifting its veto on Bulgaria and Romania's Schengen membership. The Austrian Ministry of the Interior announced that the decision allows EU interior ministers to proceed with approving the accession during their meeting later in the week. Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner highlighted that this marks a significant step forward in the EU Council's discussions on Justice and Home Affairs.

ECONOMY

Duma reports on Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) Governor Dimitar Radev’s interview with BNT, where he discusses Bulgaria’s readiness to join the eurozone and economic challenges ahead. Radev said that Bulgaria will meet the inflation criterion for euro adoption by January, setting the stage for the eurozone entry on January 1, 2026. "Politicians must secure the final decision from the EU Council within 2025," he emphasized, warning that delays could close the opportunity.

Radev highlighted Bulgaria’s technical readiness for euro adoption, including prepared payment systems and the production of euro coins and banknotes. However, he warned that the budget deficit, currently projected at 8%, poses a significant risk. Plans to reduce the deficit to 3% include taxing banks’ windfall profits and raising excise duties.

Radev criticized the proposed windfall tax on banks: "This will make loans more expensive and could destabilize the only remaining pillar of financial stability." Discussions between banks, the Ministry of Finance, and BNB aim to balance budget needs with economic stability.

Radev also cautioned against measures that overly restrict lending, stating, "If we limit loans excessively, we risk pushing the economy into stagnation or recession."

Duma writes that Maya Manolova, who was also interviewed on BNT, called for legislation to cap bank fees, noting that banks’ profits have quadrupled since 2020, with BGN 1.5 billion generated from fees. This is unrelated to economic activity, which has been declining for 20 months.

***

Telegraf reports on the Ministry of Finance’s newly published draft State budget, which outlines an anticipated increase in excise duties on alcohol and cigarettes. The proposal also introduces a one-time tax amnesty on interest from unpaid taxes and a separate 15% tax on previously undeclared taxes. However, it specifies that any taxation related to criminal or terrorist activities remains outside this tax amnesty provision. 

Mediapool.bg also reports on the draft budget, saying the increase in state revenue by BGN 20 billion planned for 2025 is unprecedented. The analysis says that Minister Petkova’s 2025 financial plan anticipates an unprecedented BGN 20 billion revenue increase—far exceeding usual annual growth and prompting scepticism, given just 2.8% GDP expansion. This optimistic forecast, following a weaker-than-expected performance this year and a 3.3% deficit, likely hinges on one-off measures like EU funds and tax amnesties. With projected 2025 expenditures near BGN 99 billion, the proposed windfall tax on bank profits has been dropped amid opposition.

HOME AFFAIRS

Trud writes that the BETL pyramid scheme has defrauded over 30,000 Bulgarians, leaving victims with empty cryptocurrency accounts and dashed hopes of quick wealth. According to the General Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (GDCOC), numerous complaints have been filed since December 6, and investigations are underway in cooperation with international partners.

BETL lured investors with promises of profits from mobile phone charging devices allegedly placed in China, paying returns in cryptocurrency. Initially, payouts were made to build trust, but the scheme collapsed on December 6, with USD 20 million disappearing from accounts. Victims include Elena Dimitrova, who told Trud, "I’m down by over BGN 10,000—my life savings."

The masterminds behind the scheme remain unknown. IT specialist Ivan Ivanov notes that Bulgaria accounted for the largest share of BETL’s victims, significantly more than neighbouring Serbia and Greece, where the scheme is also active.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

bTV interviewed security expert Yordan Bozhilov, who expressed moderate optimism about Syria’s future while acknowledging the uncertainty of all possible scenarios. Bozhilov noted that promising steps included the beginning of a transition to form a temporary government and assurances that all religious communities would be protected.

At the same time, Bozhilov observed attempts to reshape control over territories and cities, pointing to the presence of radical Sunni groups ideologically aligned with the so-called Islamic State. Economic factors, such as control over oil and gas fields as well as fertile agricultural lands, also played a significant role in the unfolding situation.

He emphasized that Syria’s trajectory could have direct implications for Bulgaria, potentially affecting the emergence of new refugee waves or, conversely, encouraging the return of those who fled the conflict.