site.btaMedia Review: January 9, 2025

POLITICS

All dailies cover the adoption of amendments to the Election Code and the Judicial System Act by Parliament.

Trud, 24 Chasa, Telegraph, Duma, Mediapool and Dnevnik report that Parliament adopts five different proposals to amend the Election Code, each reflecting various approaches to voting methods and election administration. The new legislative initiatives focus on modernizing vote counting, introducing active voter registration, and improving transparency through video monitoring.

Democratic Bulgaria (DB) and Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) – United Left both propose removing the task of counting votes from the Sectional Election Commissions (SIC) to specialized counting centres or counting commissions. Instead, they want newly established counting commissions and specialized counting centres to process both paper and machine ballots. 

BSP – United Left's proposal preserves the current machine voting system, in which machines print ballots to be placed in a separate box; under their plan, these ballots are later counted in special centres rather than by the SIC. They also suggest an experimental machine-based tally for upcoming elections, allowing certain commissions to use devices supplied by the Council of Ministers to count votes automatically. 

In addition, both BSP – United Left and There Is Such a People (TISP) advocate for the removal of the "dead souls" [deceased voters and people who no longer have the right to vote still being on the lists] from the voter rolls by introducing active registration five days prior to the election.

Democratic Bulgaria (DB), for its part, focuses on reinstating machine-generated reports as the main record of votes cast on electronic devices. Their proposal excludes SIC from tallying any results, including parties, coalitions, or preferences, and mandates that counting be done exclusively in these new commissions and centres.

Continue the Change (CC) introduces optical scanning for paper ballots, with automated checks that flag voter errors, allow corrections on the spot, and prevent repeat voting. CC's proposal removes the Sectional Election Commission (SIC) from both machine and paper ballot counting, effectively eliminating manual tallying.

Although Vazrazhdane wants to abolish paper ballots entirely, most other proposals retain them while seeking to minimize or optimize manual counting. Vazrazhdane also calls for live video broadcasts during the crucial process of acceptance of SIC protocols by the Regional Multimember Constituencies (RMC) and the counting of votes, which allows full transparency into the actions of the RMC members. 

TISP also proposes delaying the establishment of the "Overseas" constituency.

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Trud reports that lawmakers pass three bills on first reading to amend the Judicial System Act, each focusing on the procedure for selecting Bulgaria’s next Prosecutor General. Two bills—proposed by Continue the Change–Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) and TISP—win unanimous support, and a third bill from Vazrazhdane is adopted with 193 votes in favour, 28 against, and no abstentions. The Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF)–New Beginning votes against Vazrazhdane's proposal. During the debates, it was announced that multiple proposals for amendments to the projects would be introduced between the first and second readings.

MRF–New Beginning’s Hamid Hamid warns the support of MRF-New Beginning is in principle, and they would not end up supporting bills, which are unconstitutional or contradict the separation of powers. Remzi Osman from MRF-DRF also says that there is "room for improvement" in the bills. Maya Dimitrova from BSP – United Left warns that rushing through piecemeal legislation is not a good practice. Only Vazrazhdane, DB, CC, and MECH express firm support for ending Borislav Sarafov's selection as Prosecutor General. GERB does not participate in the discussions.

Vazrazhdane’s bill stipulates the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) having the ability to ask the President to appoint a Prosecutor General or Presidents of the Supreme Administrative Court (SAC) and the Supreme Court of Cassation (SCC) only within its mandate.

CC-DB introduces additional requirements for the procedures for selecting the "three key figures in the judiciary," with provisions for the current processes to be halted.

TISP’s proposal does not directly affect the choice of the Prosecutor General but creates provisions that limit the powers of the Prosecutor General and give greater independence to the head of the National Investigation Service.

Trud notes that the procedure for the election of the Prosecutor General was opened on June 22, 2024, by the Plenum of SJC on the proposal of the Prosecutors Chamber. Acting Prosecutor General Sarafov was nominated for election to the post of Prosecutor General as the only candidate on October 10, 2024, by three members of the Prosecutors Chamber.

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Mediapool.bg publishes an analysis indicating that during parliamentary debates on three judicial reform proposals—lasting under an hour and a half—no one spoke explicitly in defence of Sarafov, and GERB made no statements. At the suggestion of Petar Petrov from Vazrazhdane, the debate and the voting aired on BNR and BNT.

The analysis further notes that, under the proposed amendments, three key judicial appointments would require support from a majority of the Supreme Judicial Council members elected by judges, prosecutors, and investigators. Since only four judges sit in the Council—two of whom belong to the opposition—this minority group could wield a de facto blocking vote in major personnel decisions, “despite being an absolute minority,” as Mediapool.bg observes.

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Trud reports that GERB’s Executive Commission announced plans to continue coalition talks without DB. The party confirms Rosen Zhelyazkov as its prime minister candidate, entrusting him with leading negotiations on a 12-page draft agreement. GERB hopes for a finalized coalition deal, including a firm decision on the prime minister’s role, by Friday. However, GERB, BSP – United Left, and TISP together hold only 107 parliamentary seats, meaning additional support is needed to form a majority.

DB responds by insisting that any discussion of the prime minister nominee and composition of the Council of Ministers should take place at a leadership meeting after a governance pact is finalized. DB also urges Parliament not to delay first reading of the Judicial System Act amendments, stressing that the rule of law should not be used as a bargaining chip in cabinet-formation talks.

BSP’s acting chair Atanas Zafirov argues that new elections would not alter the balance of power and called on all sides to set aside narrow party interests and focus on policies the country needs. 

The Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) – Democracy, Rights and Freedoms (DRF), led by Ahmed Dogan, signals openness to discussions—though not necessarily as part of the ruling majority—on the condition that MRF–New Beginning, led by Delyan Peevski and Vazrazhdane are not part of the coalition.

The current 12-page draft agreement proposes that the mandate holder nominates the Prime Minister, who should be a non-prominent party figure with recognized managerial experience and public trust. It stipulates 19 ministries in total, each party to the agreement nominating one deputy prime minister, who may also serve as a minister. The draft states that any minister can be replaced with the consent of the participating parties if the governance programme is not fulfilled or if its implementation proves unsatisfactory.

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Telegraph publishes an interview with political expert Tatyana Burudzhieva, who warns that “an alternative majority could lead to autumn elections” if current coalition talks fail. Burudzhieva stresses the critical role of the prime minister’s identity in determining a cabinet’s structure, noting that "the name of the Prime Minister is indicative of what the cabinet will stand for."

She observes that GERB, as the largest parliamentary force, insists on a party figure to head the government, while DB prefers a neutral or expert-led approach. According to Burudzhieva, “if negotiations are not renewed and the fact that GERB is the leading political force… is not accepted, we will head to elections again.” She also suggests that if snap elections take place, “Vazrazhdane might overtake CC-DB for second place.”

Discussing judicial reform, Burudzhieva believes politicians are overemphasizing the selection of a new Prosecutor General. “For citizens, it’s vital whether there will be a cabinet; it affects their daily lives and incomes,” she says, expressing hope that disputes over judicial amendments can be resolved. She highlights the risk that repeated elections only prolong the crisis, predicting that another snap vote could occur in 2025 if leaders fail to form a stable coalition.

As for President Rumen Radev’s role, Burudzhieva expects him to deliver the first mandate promptly, remarking, "I believe he will wait until the end of the week. There is no point in waiting for something that will not happen."

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Dnevnik reports that a phone call from former Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) co-chair and current MRF–New Beginning leader Delyan Peevski halted the launch of a strategic private factory owned by arms dealer Emilian Guebrev, according to an investigation by Svobodna Evropa. Former defence minister Boyko Noev and economy minister Bogdan Bogdanov (now an MP from CC-DB) confirm that Peevski’s call to the Council of Ministers led to the suspension of a decree designating Guebrev’s planned gunpowder production plant as vital for national security. Although the State Agency for National Security (SANS) initially approved the project, it withdrew its endorsement just before a subsequent government meeting, effectively blocking the measure. Neither Peevski nor SANS responded to queries from Svobodna Evropa, and no final decision has been reached to date. Dnevnik notes that Guebrev’s business interests have long been targeted by Russian intelligence and have previously clashed with Peevski’s over the arms factory Dunarit.

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BNR published an interview with political expert Petar Cholakov, who noted that “the party system was like a powder keg” and “the smallest spark could lead to an explosion.” In his opinion, parties were already preparing for new elections, possibly by late March or April, as shown by their rushed Election Code changes.

Cholakov remarked that any government formed now would represent a “second patchwork coalition,” criticizing the hasty reforms by the first patchwork coalition. He cited the appointment of Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov—made possible by the alliance among GERB leader Boyko Borissov, MRF Leader Delyan Peevski, and CC-DB—as an example of “unprincipled” decision-making.

While Cholakov did not dismiss a new cabinet if the parties compromised, he stressed that “neither side, especially DB, is keen to govern with GERB.” A government without CC-DB, he added, would have “extremely low public legitimacy.” Meanwhile, political actors seek a “saviour” to capture rising voter discontent, fuelling volatility in the party system.

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Nova TV reported on a discussion between political analyst Georgi Kiryakov and PR expert Boyana Bozadzhieva about the chances of forming a government before January 16. "The possibility of forming a regular government diminishes with each passing day," Kiryakov said, citing contentious reforms outlined in the draft coalition agreement between GERB-UDF and CC-DB. He argued that GERB-UDF appears to be simulating a desire to form a government while making conditions difficult for its potential partners.

Bozadzhieva noted that DB enters the talks with the aim of fulfilling their programme 100%, yet each side must compromise. Both experts remained sceptical about a minority government, with Kiryakov observing, "Without a solid majority of 121 MPs, the government will be at risk," Bozadzhieva noted. She added that future governance is likely to face challenges because of major differences among the four parties.

Regarding the upcoming appointment of a new Prosecutor General, Kiryakov questioned if a different choice would change the current environment, while Bozadzhieva pointed out that the mission of a political group or society should not revolve around appointing or removing a single individual.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

bTV and Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) reported that Acting Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov sent a letter to National Assembly Chair Nataliya Kiselova, which said, “As of January 9, the Prosecution Service of the Republic of Bulgaria had not received information regarding requests for permission to initiate criminal proceedings against three members of parliament.” He noted that the requests for lifting parliamentary immunity were submitted on November 13, 2024, for MP Dzheyhan Ibramov, and on December 19, 2024, for MPs Mario Rangelov and Lena Borislavova.

Sarafov stressed the “obligation on prosecutors and investigative bodies to conduct pre-trial proceedings within the legally prescribed time limits,” referring to the Criminal Procedure Code, and reminded that “all measures must be taken promptly to ensure a lawful investigation.” He requested that the National Assembly provide information on any actions taken in response to these requests, in line with parliamentary rules.

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bTV, Nova TV, Bulgarian National Television (BNT), and Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) reported that Vanya Stefanova was elected Deputy Prosecutor General by the Prosecutors College of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC). The decision passed unanimously on the proposal of acting Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov.

A member of the Prosecutors College, Kalina Chapkanova, said, “This nomination is overdue, because Sarafov has long worked with only one deputy.” She also pointed out that three deputy positions remained vacant, “seriously hindering Sarafov’s work as acting Prosecutor General.”

Chapkanova cited data indicating that Stefanova meets all criteria for the position, while Gergana Mutafova, another SJC member, added that “one more deputy should be voted on as well.” Stefanova currently heads a specialized department within the Supreme Prosecutor’s Office.

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BNT reported that police launched its own investigation into the discovery of thousands of dead birds in the Koprivshtitsa area. Media outlets suggested that the likely cause was stress from New Year’s fireworks and firecrackers. BNT said the General Directorate of National Police initiated the inquiry on January 3, and three days later, the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water contacted the Crime against Environment and Wildlife Unit of the Economic Police Department, citing indications of a possible crime.

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24 Chasa reports that in 2024, the Ministry of Interior shuts down 30 websites involved in drug trafficking and continues to monitor over 20 more. Caretaker Interior Minister Atanas Ilkov, speaking to Parliament, pledges to block any identified sites that sell vapes containing dangerous substances. Ilkov explains that investigations trace these electronic devices to online stores registered abroad, operating under foreign-hosted platforms. Once illegal activities are detected, authorities take steps to restrict access.

Ilkov adds that some banned cannabinoids originate in countries where they remain unregulated and details a series of nationwide police operations conducted last year. Among the seizures are 74 kg of hexahydrocannabinol, more than 4,000 vape liquid capsules (734 containing narcotic substances), over 1,700 vape devices (808 containing narcotic substances), around 1,000 gummy candies, and 160 kg of marijuana. Officials also inspected 933 establishments, detained approximately 600 individuals, and initiated 90 pre-trial proceedings. Ilkov notes that 131 minors were identified during the operation, calling the figure alarming.

Ilkov gives further examples of successful police efforts, including a raid in the Kardzhali region that recovered over 30,000 vape devices—13,000 of which tested positive for THC. At the beginning of the year, authorities also detained a 70-year-old woman and her 40-year-old son with 3 kg of narcotic substances, enough to manufacture more than 15,000 illegal vapes.

DEFENCE

24 Chasa reports that caretaker Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov warns that disinformation presents a threat comparable to conventional warfare, particularly as Russia wields it in a hybrid campaign against Bulgaria. Zapryanov’s answer in writing to a question by CC-DB MP Ivaylo Mirchev is published on the Parliament's website.

Zapryanov underlines the cognitive dimension’s growing importance in defence policy, in addition to land, air, sea, cyber, and space. He urges a coordinated national approach—across institutions, media, civil society, and business—to counter foreign efforts that undermine critical thinking, erode trust in institutions, and spread falsehoods about Bulgarian military activities.

The Defence Ministry emphasizes that Bulgaria will not send troops to Ukraine, rejects claims that NATO infrastructure projects benefit only the Alliance, and argues that such disinformation discourages new recruits from joining the armed forces. Zapryanov calls for legislative measures to strengthen national capabilities, alongside improved strategic communications, to combat hostile foreign influence effectively.

HEALTHCARE

Trud reports that the Ministry of Health organizes inspections by regional health inspectorates to enforce the ban on the sale and use of nitrous oxide. Speaking in Parliament, Health Minister Galya Kondeva says that, since the initial ban in August 2022, and through additional legislation introduced in October 2024, more than 29,000 inspections have taken place. Authorities issue administrative violation acts when they detect noncompliance, and the Ministry of Interior occasionally assists in these checks.

Kondeva says that the Ministry of Health works to prevent health risks through public awareness initiatives, including educational events and promotional materials developed by the National Centre for Public Health and Analyses and the regional health inspectorates. These efforts aim to promote a healthy lifestyle among young people, detailing the potential dangers of nitrous oxide.

Kondeva also notes the recent inclusion of hexahydrocannabinol on List 1 of substances with a high risk to public health, thereby banning the substance production, trade, transport, and possession. She explains that the Ministry of Interior has legal authority to prevent and investigate illegal narcotics distribution, and municipal councils implement local programs to reduce demand.

Two national prevention programs target schoolchildren from grades V through XI. A guide for implementing these programs is available nationwide, and Kondeva reminds that Parliament already passed amendments to the Health Act, expanding the nitrous oxide ban as of September 25, 2024.

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Duma reports that BSP – United Left pledges support for any legislative measures aimed at preventing, controlling, and educating the public on narcotics. “We did not hear the necessary specifics, and the figures declared raised more questions than answers,” says MP Andrey Valchev, criticizing caretaker ministers Kondeva and Ilkov after a child in Pleven died from using a banned-substance vape. Valchev highlights the limited effectiveness of inspections outside normal work hours and stresses the need for a stable, accountable government to enforce laws instead of sliding into repeated election cycles.

RELIGION

BNR reported that the Registry Agency refused to register the Old Calendar Orthodox Church of Bulgaria (OCOCB). Caretaker Justice Minister Maria Pavlova said, “the representatives of the association failed to submit the required documents,” despite being given two opportunities to provide them. The refusal can be appealed within 14 days, a deadline that expires at the end of this week, Pavlova said.

In mid-December, the Supreme Court of Cassation issued a final ruling that OCOCB has to be entered into the Register of Religious Denominations with the Sofia City Court, in light of an European Court of Human Rights judgment of 2021 in the case of OCOCB vs Bulgaria. However, Pavlova explained that the Registry Agency still found the documentation incomplete, prompting its decision to decline the church’s request.