site.btaMedia Review: September 24

HEADLINES

All dailies report on the detention of the long-serving mayor of Mineralni Bani and Alliance for Rights and Freedoms (ARF) candidate in Haskovo Region, Myumyun Iskender. He was remanded in custody by the Haskovo prosecution service for allegedly being part of an organized crime group. The prosecution service asked the Central Election Commission (CEC) to remove Iskender's immunity as a candidate in the elections and CEC has complied with that request. This comes after a search in the offices and home of Iskender by the Counter-corruption and Unlawfully Acquired Assets Forfeiture Commission (CCUAAFC) on September 20, 2024.

Another story that dominates the headlines is the discovery of a marble statue's head in the ancient Roman sewage system of Heraclea Sintica near Petrich. Prof. Lyudmil Vagalinski's team uncovered the artifact on Sunday, and it's unclear if it belongs to a statue found earlier at the site. This find follows the recent discovery of a headless statue.

POLITICS

BNR, Dnevnik, Mediapool.bg, Nova TV and Trud cover a statement from North Macedonia's Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski responding to calls for his resignation by GERB leader Boyko Borissov. 

Dnevnik, Mediapool and BNR report that Nikoloski accused Borissov of interfering in North Macedonia's internal affairs after Borissov criticized him for labelling North Macedonia's hosts in Sofia as "uncivilized." According to the Dnevnik headline, "Nikoloski called Borissov 'Bulgaria’s top oligarch'".

Nikoloski actually said, "Let's see who wants me to resign: Bulgaria's number one oligarch whose party is falling apart. A former prime minister accused of corruption. The chairman of a political party with clear pro-Russian positions, which does not recognize [North] Macedonia." 

BNR and Mediapool's coverage also focuses on Nikoloski’s defence over his remarks about the absence of North Macedonia's flag during a visit by President Gordana Siljanovska, noting that his comments were a justified response to perceived insults from Bulgarian leaders.

Nova TV and Mediapool quote Nikoloski criticizing Bulgarian President Rumen Radev's response to the missing North Macedonian flag, saying that instead of apologizing and showing goodwill, Radev resorted to insults, prompting Nikoloski's sharp response. 

Trud and Mediapool also quote Nikoloski accusing those behind the French proposal of trying to interfere in North Macedonia's internal affairs by suggesting that North Macedonian prosecutors should be elected, questioning the trustworthiness of those making such demands.

Dnevnik and Mediapool quote Nikoloski criticizing Bulgaria's Prime Minister for using North Macedonia to prolong his time in office, accusing him of blocking an entire country over domestic political issues. Regarding a project for a railway connection to Bulgaria, Nikoloski clarified that the delays are not political but stem from construction and cost challenges. He noted that Bulgaria lacks a project for the tunnel  which is part of the Bulgarian stretch of the rail connection, and needs at least two more years to complete preparations, suggesting a joint new project as the best solution.

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24 Chasa, Trud, bTV, Nova TV, Mediapool and Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) cover Delian Peevski's call for North Macedonia's Deputy Prime Minister Nikoloski to be declared persona non grata in Bulgaria. Peevski, a leader in the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF), criticized Nikoloski for sowing hatred towards Bulgaria and aligning with pro-Russian interests. This statement followed Nikoloski's televised comments accusing Bulgarian politicians of interfering in North Macedonia's internal affairs. Peevski stressed the need for Bulgaria to take firm action to defend its honour and democratic values against pro-Russian influence.

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bTV, BNT, Sega, BNR and Trud report that Ahmed Dogan, the honorary chairman of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF), spoke to the party's Central Council, presenting the election candidates of the Alliance for Rights and Freedoms (ARF), the coalition through which Dogan's faction of MRF will be running in the October 27 elections. Dogan spoke of the delicate balance between respect and a personality cult and commended the energy and insight of party members. Dogan referred to Delyan Peevski without mentioning his name for actions he believes undermine democracy and called for a return to collective decision-making within the party. He urged direct engagement with the public to address their issues, warning against the political elite becoming detached. BNR’s coverage of Dogan’s statement spoke of his criticism of Delyan Peevski for establishing personal positions within the judicial system supposedly in the name of MRF, but without the party's support.  Sega reports that Ahmed Dogan criticized MRF officials who have transitioned from high-level positions to becoming oppressive figures within the party. Trud reports Dogan’s statement that the main goal is to eliminate the MRF and undermine the unity of the community.

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bTV, BNT, BNR, Mediapool, Nova TV and 24 Chasa cover MRF’s chair and MRF Parliamentary Group Floor Leader Delyan Peevski’s sharp criticism of President Rumen Radev for vetoing recent amendments to the Code of Civil Procedure. The amendments, linked to the Bar Act, transferred the authority to set fees for ad hoc representatives from the courts to local bar associations.

bTV and Mediapool provide a thorough background coverage, complete with Radev’s arguments that this change contradicts EU law, which prohibits service provider associations from setting their own prices and could undermine the principles of a fair trial and citizens' constitutional right to defence and Peevski’s dismissal of these concerns and accusations that Radev used his veto to serve his personal political ambitions and escalate public tension, while interfering with the ongoing parliamentary election campaign. They also report that Peevski urged the National Assembly to override the veto, stressing that the amendments had been adopted with a convincing majority and reflected the will of Bulgarian citizens. 24 chasa, BNR and Nova TV published a summary of Peevski’s statement.

24 chasa also provides a concise summary of the background and expanded more in a separate article, focused on the dispute between lawyers and President Radev. It centres on recent changes transferring the authority to appoint and set fees for ad hoc representatives from the courts to local bar councils. While lawyers argue this change ensures fair compensation, Radev contends that it violates EU law by allowing bar associations to set their own prices, which he believes restricts competition and contradicts free market principles.

Trud also covers the veto imposed by Radev, Peevski’s remarks and expanded the coverage on the response by the legal community, which has strongly opposed President Radev's veto and has expressed readiness to protest. Lawyer Dimitar Markovski said he supported his colleagues and is prepared for strike action, arguing that the veto lacks legal basis. Markovski said that the main issue is the removal of the court's authority to appoint ad hoc representatives and set their remuneration, a responsibility the President believes should not be handled by the legal guild. Markovski countered that the court often fails to fairly allocate these payments.

BNR published an interview with Metodi Lalov, former President of Sofia District Court, who criticized the legal community's reaction to President Radev's veto on amendments, calling for a more thorough debate instead of immediate protests. Lalov supports the President's concerns about the law's transparency and fairness, particularly regarding the appointment and remuneration of ad hoc representatives.

Nova TV reports that lawyers across Bulgaria are ready to strike after President Rumen Radev vetoed amendments to the law governing their profession, which would have allowed advertising and required courts to appoint and set fees for ad hoc representatives. Radev supported aligning national and European laws but raised objections to certain provisions. The Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) urged the National Assembly to override the veto, with Delyan Peevski accusing Radev of undermining civil rights and escalating public tension.

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Several media outlets cover GERB leader Boyko Borissov's announcement regarding the inclusion of mayors in the party lists for the upcoming snap parliamentary elections on October 27, 2024. Borissov said that while these mayors will lead the lists, they are not expected to become MPs, but their inclusion is a strategic move to strengthen the party's electoral performance and ensure the implementation of GERB's program.

Nova TV reports that Borissov spoke of the importance of local government in connection with central government, stating that the mayors' inclusion in the lists is aimed at closing the gap between local and parliamentary election performances.

BNR focuses on Borissov's dismissal of claims that GERB is dependent on other entities, with Borissov stating that he is only dependent on God. BNR also covered his emphasis on the party's commitment to governance priorities like education, security, and infrastructure.

BNT covers Borissov's assertion that GERB wants, can, and will govern for the people, noting that the inclusion of mayors in the lists demonstrates the party's commitment to ensuring that local government projects are completed and that the party aims to propose governance with a strong majority.

In all reports, Borissov reiterated GERB's focus on key areas such as education, security, renovation, and infrastructure, positioning these as central to the party's campaign.

ECONOMY

bTV, BNT, BNR, Nova TV, Trud and 24 Chasa report on the country’s efforts to ban Ukrainian egg imports due to the negative impact on local poultry farmers. Caretaker Minister of Agriculture and Food Georgi Tahov led the push at the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels, citing the influx of low-cost Ukrainian eggs that are undercutting Bulgarian producers and causing market disruptions.

Tahov said that while Bulgaria supports Ukraine, this should not come at the expense of its own farmers, many of whom are facing financial difficulties due to the competition. He noted that the European Commission (EC) would need to assess the situation, and that any decision would require support from other EU member states. The minister also mentioned potential financial aid from the EC, including a proposed allocation of EUR 10.9 million to support Bulgarian farmers affected by the summer drought and market disruptions.

bTV focuses on the procedural aspects, reporting on the need for evidence to convince the EC and noting Romania's support for Bulgaria’s stance. BNT focuses on the market disruption and financial aid, particularly the proposed EUR 11 million from the EC. 24 Chasa details the dramatic increase in Ukrainian egg imports and its impact on Bulgarian farmers, stressing the need to protect local production while supporting Ukraine.

Trud reports on past tensions and threats of protests from local poultry farmers, noting concerns over the quality and pricing of Ukrainian eggs. All outlets focus on the core issue of the economic strain on Bulgarian poultry farmers and the government's efforts to address it at the EU level.

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bTV, BNR, Trud and Telegraf report on the European Commission's proposal to allocate EUR 119.7 million to farmers in five EU countries affected by adverse weather, with Bulgaria set to receive EUR 10.9 million. This aid, which can be supplemented by up to 200% from national budgets, aims to help farmers recover from drought-related losses, particularly in maize and sunflower crops. bTV and Telegraf cover the distribution of funds and the potential for national co-financing, with a focus on the timeline for disbursement. BNR adds context on Bulgaria's successful effort to secure an additional EUR 90 million from unused rural development funds. Trud provides a concise overview, focusing on the financial specifics and the impact on Bulgarian agriculture.

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Telegraf reports that the National Revenue Agency (NRA) is auctioning various properties at low prices, including fields, vineyards, garages, and apartments. Some agricultural land is priced as low as BGN 120. The cheapest property is a 500-square-metre field in Tryavna Municipality, Gabrovo Region. Prices for vineyards and orchards vary based on location and features. Garages and apartments in cities like Sofia and Plovdiv are sold at market prices, with a two-room apartment in Sofia starting at BGN 184,000. The report highlights a wide range of property values, from affordable fields to pricier urban real estate.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

BNR, Nova, Sega, and 24 Chasa report on caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev's participation in the UN Summit in New York, where he advocated for collective global efforts to address key challenges like climate change, digital security, and inequality. Glavchev supported the UN's proposed Future Pact, speaking of the need for modernizing international institutions, particularly the United Nations, to better respond to 21st-century issues. He also noted Bulgaria's commitment to enhancing digital infrastructure and security, particularly in underserved areas.

BNR focuses on Glavchev's support for the Future Pact and its significance in addressing global conflicts and inequalities, with an emphasis on the broader implications for international cooperation. Nova TV covered Glavchev's call for collaboration in digital technology, stressing the importance of secure digital spaces and bridging the digital divide, with examples from EU initiatives. Sega noted the need for UN reform, particularly the Security Council, to ensure it remains relevant. Coverage also focuses on Glavchev's interactions with the Bulgarian community in New York. 24 Chasa concentrates on Glavchev's focus on digital security, especially the protection of children online, and the expansion of digital infrastructure in underdeveloped regions.

BNR also provides coverage of the discussions between Bulgarian Foreign Minister Ivan Kondov and Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien. The discussion covered deepening the strategic partnership between Bulgaria and the USA in areas like security, energy, and technology. Kondov also spoke of the importance of Bulgaria's inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Program and the potential signing of a Social Security Agreement, which would benefit Bulgarian citizens in the USA.

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Sega covers a meeting between Kiril Petkov, co-chair of Continue the Change, and former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during Petkov's three-day visit to the United States. The discussions focused on the future of the Western Balkans and countering Russian influence in the region. Petkov said that Pompeo assured him of continued US support for governments committed to fighting corruption and upholding international agreements, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming US presidential elections. Petkov spoke of the importance of Bulgarians taking responsibility for their own country's future, underscoring that external help will not substitute for internal efforts to secure Bulgaria's progress.

SOCIETY

bTV, BNT, BNR, Dnevnik, Mediapool, Nova TV, Duma, Telegraf, and 24 Chasa cover the incident where stickers advertising nitrous oxide (laughing gas) were found on the fence of the Second English Language School Thomas Jefferson in Sofia. School Principal Veselina Ivanova reported the incident to the police, who removed the stickers and began investigating the individuals responsible. Two youths have been identified as the ones who posted the advertisements, which included QR codes linking to an online store selling the banned substance. The incident shows ongoing challenges with illegal laughing gas sales, particularly targeting educational institutions. In response, Sofia Municipality has increased school security and launched a campaign to educate students about the dangers of laughing gas and vaping. The municipality also announced plans to renovate school yards and implement live security measures.