site.btaMedia Review: August 8

HEADLINES

The parliamentary ban on LGBTI+ propaganda in schools and the surrounding political and public reactions dominate the headlines. Other main discussions focus on political manoeuvring and potential leadership changes in the caretaker government and in Parliament. The economy headlines focus on robust consumer confidence and an agreement with Turkiye in the energy sector. The case of the Botunets borough crocodile also received extensive coverage.

24 Chasa’s front-page story reads "Consumer Confidence Steady as Vehicle and Property Purchases Continue". The front page of Trud reads "Six New Millionaires Emerge Each Week," with the article focusing on the rising household savings and borrowing levels for the purchase of luxurious properties. Telegraf’s front page is dedicated to the more stringent rules on annual technical checkups for motor vehicles, while Duma leads with the parliamentary ban on LGBTI+ propaganda in schools.

SOCIETY

24 Chasa writes that the 50th National Assembly passed an amendment banning the "propaganda, promotion or incitement" of "non-traditional sexual orientation" and "defining gender identity different from biological sex" in schools and kindergartens. Introduced by the Vazrazhdane party, the amendment was passed in two readings during the same plenary sitting. Critics from Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) and GERB-UDF argue that the amendment’s vague language and reliance on non-legal sources could lead to misinterpretation and conflict with the European Convention on Human Rights and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. Concerns also include potential negative impacts on teachers with "non-traditional sexual orientation" and Bulgaria's adherence to EU human rights standards.

Trud and Duma covered the legislative process and the debate during the plenary sitting. The article reads that after extensive debates, Parliament passed a controversial amendment prohibiting the promotion of non-traditional sexual orientations and gender identities in education, restricting these to biological definitions. The amendment to the Pre-school and School Education Act received support from GERB-UDF, Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF), There Is Such a People (TISP), and BSP for Bulgaria, with opposition from CC-DB. Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov supported the amendment to prevent non-traditional sex education. Yavor Bozhankov (CC-DB) criticized it as "electoral populism" and divisive. Yordan Tsonev (MRF) and Kornelia Ninova (BSP for Bulgaria) backed the bill for aligning with traditional values and rejecting gender diversity beyond the binary. Andrey Chorbanov (TISP) and Krasimir Valchev (GERB-UDF) supported it to address concerns about LGBTI+ propaganda and ensure children are protected.

Bulgarian National TV also covers the topic. Protestors in central Sofia condemned the amendment as discriminatory, warning it could incite violence against students with non-traditional sexual orientations.

bTV: Opposition from Elisaveta Belobradova (CC-DB) labelled the bill a political manoeuvre. Kostadin Kostadinov (Vazrazhdane) condemned LGBTI+ propaganda as "anti-human," while Yordan Tsonev (MRF) stressed adherence to traditional and religious values. Similar laws exist in Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, and Russia, reflecting a broader trend within and beyond the EU.

Bulgarian National Radio: Georgi Georgiev (GERB-UDF) raised concerns about the amendment's compatibility with international standards, suggesting it contradicts the European Convention on Human Rights. Kostadin Kostadinov (Vazrazhdane) accused the US Embassy of influencing opposition efforts, urging GERB to resist external pressure.

Mediapool: The amendment forbids ideological or religious doctrines, political activities, and promoting non-traditional sexual orientations. A new definition of "non-traditional sexual orientation" was introduced. Yavor Bozhankov (CC-DB) criticized the amendments as elections-motivated and homophobic. Yordan Tsonev (MRF) and Ivan Chenchev (BSP for Bulgaria) defended them, claiming they protect children. Petar Kyosev (CC-DB) questioned the use of Wikipedia for definitions. Tervel Georgiev and Georgi Georgiev (GERB-UDF) pointed out contradictions with the Constitution. Protesters in central Sofia argued the amendment incites hatred and restricts normal living.

Dnevnik wrote that the amendments were criticized by NGOs and some MPs as discriminatory and violating European and Bulgarian human rights laws. Critics, including Georgi Georgiev (GERB-UDF) and Elisaveta Belobradova (CC-DB), argued the changes set a dangerous precedent and are driven by political motives rather than legal necessity.

The Bulgarian Helsinki Committee condemned the amendment, stating it restricts freedom of expression and could lead to legal challenges. 

ECONOMY

24 Chasa’s front-page story said that consumer confidence remains robust, steady purchases of vehicles and properties indicating no widespread apprehension about an impending economic downturn. Consumer confidence is up 5.6% from April and is the highest it has been since it was initially polled in 2001.

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24 Chasa and Dnevnik also wrote about a meeting between Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov and Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar in Istanbul to renegotiate an agreement with Turkish gas operator Botas, with further talks set for 15 August in Bulgaria. Malinov was tasked by the National Assembly to revise terms for using Turkish LNG terminals and the gas transmission network.

Turkiye requested additional water from Bulgaria for irrigation near Edirne due to drought, but Bulgaria's agencies clarified they do not manage international water supplies. Malinov and Bayraktar agreed to draft an energy cooperation memorandum, focusing on electricity, gas connectivity, renewable energy, and efficiency, to be signed in Sofia.

The original Botas agreement, requiring Bulgaria to pay terminal fees regardless of usage, totals nearly BGN 4 billion by 2035. Malinov said Bulgargaz was having difficulties with the payment in July, despite a discount from Botas, which so far has refused to amend the agreement.

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Trud wrote about a decline in IT and hospitality job listings. Job Tiger's analysis reveals significant trends in the Bulgarian job market. The IT sector saw a notable decrease in job listings, while the manufacturing sector experienced robust growth. Overall, job listings declined in the past month, especially in hospitality, trade and sales, and administrative support, but the annual market remained stable. Work-from-home opportunities are prevalent, led by the IT sector, followed by administrative, outsourcing, and sales jobs. Sofia leads in job opportunities, followed by Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, and Stara Zagora, highlighting the concentration of economic activities.

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Telegraf wrote about a significant drop in the demand for cars lacking a Diesel Particulate Filter and a catalyser. This decline in interest has compelled dealers to slash prices on these models, with discounts ranging from BGN 1,000 to as much as BGN 5,000, varying by brand and vehicle type.

POLITICS

24 Chasa wrote that President Rumen Radev plans to meet with political leaders to discuss forming a new caretaker government. He will propose either current caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev or Goritsa Grancharova-Kozhareva for the role of prime minister. Grancharova-Kozhareva has shown willingness to accept the role, which is in contrast with her previous refusal.

CC-DB confirmed they attempted to oust the Chair of the National Assembly, Raya Nazaryan, but failed to secure enough support. CC-DB asked Nazaryan to resign after declining Radev's offer to become caretaker PM.

Peevski accused CC-DB of aiming to appoint Assen Vassilev as caretaker PM, to facilitate Russian interests. Vassilev denied any plans to take on the role.

Caretaker PM Glavchev defended the independence of his office, addressing criticism of being influenced by the President. Glavchev expressed a commitment to work until the end of the current government and wished success to the next caretaker government, if replaced.

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BNT said that Radev is holding consultations with parliamentary groups to form a caretaker government, narrowing potential candidates to seven, down from the ten initial names. This came after National Assembly Chair Raya Nazaryan declined the role.

Incumbent caretaker PM Glavchev, who is on an unpaid leave from the National Audit Office, is willing to continue in his role, if asked. BNB Deputy Governor Petar Chobanov is also open to the role.

Radev reiterated his authority to appoint the caretaker government amid discussions about replacing Nazaryan as National Assembly Chair, potentially considering the new Chair for caretaker PM. The election date will be announced with the caretaker government's appointment.

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bTV: The caretaker PM selection process remains uncertain. Radev is consulting individuals from the list in the Constitution. He plans to schedule another round of snap elections after appointing the caretaker government. Radev condemned attempts to tarnish Mrs. Raya Nazaryan and criticized the recent constitutional amendments as destructive (the amendments to the Constitution narrowed the pool of senior office holders from which the President can select a caretaker PM). Radev will issue a decree to appoint the government and set the election date, which must occur within two months. The likely dates for the next snap election are October 13, October 20, or October 27.

bTV and Mediapool also wrote about a statement by CC-DB co-leader Kiril Petkov, who confirmed there was an initiative to remove Raya Nazaryan as Chair of the National Assembly. However, he emphasized that combating the Peevski model requires the trust of Bulgarian citizens for lasting results. Petkov criticized Interior Minister Kalin Stoyanov, raising concerns about the fairness of elections under his leadership. He said CC-DB’s election campaign will focus on engaging with voters to earn their trust, aiming to change the current system and ensure justice and independence.

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Dnevnik wrote an article about the potential of Mariya Gabriel becoming NATO's deputy secretary general, which is not yet confirmed. The author questions her qualifications, noting she has different institutional experience compared to previous holders of the post, who typically had extensive backgrounds in defence and security.

Gabriel's past roles focused on the digital economy, society, innovation, and education, with limited involvement in defence. Political lobbying likely influenced her candidacy, but her lack of direct experience in NATO-relevant fields is a concern.

NATO's recruitment focuses on merit, and Gabriel's background contrasts with predecessors such as Mircea Geoană and Rose Gottemoeller, who had significant diplomatic and security credentials. Despite political manoeuvring, Gabriel's suitability for the role remains debated.

HEALTHCARE

BNR, Duma, Mediapool, and Dnevnik reported that the National Assembly passed a resolution requiring the Health Minister to present a strategy to Parliament within two months. The CC-DB parliamentary group initiated the resolution to increase the number of nurses and midwives in Bulgaria by at least 30% by 2030. The resolution mandates that the state budget cover tuition fees and scholarships for students in these medical professions and requires that their minimum salaries be at least 90% of the national average wage or equal to the minimum outlined in the health sector Collective Bargaining Agreement. CC-DB MP Lena Borislavova initiated the motion and spoke of the urgent need for more staff to perform life-saving operations on children. Bulgaria has lost over 30,000 nurses in the past 30 years, resulting in severe staffing shortfalls. Only 22,000 nurses are currently employed in hospitals. Inadequate compensation and systematic underfunding have led to substandard healthcare services. Vazrazhdane criticized the motion as politically motivated. MRF co-chairman Dzhevdet Chakarov and GERB’s Krasimir Sabev called for bipartisan consensus and unity to address the healthcare crisis.

THE BOTUNETS CROCODILE

All news media covered the Botunets crocodile case. Specialists from the Sofia Zoo successfully relocated the crocodile from an improvised water-filled hole in the Botunets borough near Sofia. Despite initial resistance from a man who falsely claimed ownership, the crocodile was safely relocated to the zoo. The Regional Inspectorate for Environment and Water verified the crocodile’s identification chip and confirmed the real owner has been notified. The crocodile is currently quarantined at the Sofia Zoo, awaiting health assessments. The conditions he was found in were deemed inadequate by zoo experts.