site.btaMedia Review: November 26

THE HEADLINES

The stalled negotiations between Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) and GERB-UDF over forming a government and electing a National Assembly chair dominate Monday’s news cycle, as tensions escalate over mutual accusations and red lines.

POLITICS

All dailies reported on the negotiations between Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) and GERB-UDF. The talks have become the centrepiece of political discussions, with media outlets providing extensive coverage of both parties' apparent inability to find common ground.

GERB-UDF’s Stance

GERB leader Boyko Borissov firmly insists that negotiations must focus on forming a stable government and a parliamentary majority. Borissov has refused to attend leader-level meetings, describing the talks as "empty" unless there is a clear agenda.

The media elaborated on GERB’s proposal for Atanas Atanassov from CC-DB to chair the National Assembly. However, this offer came with a non-negotiable condition: Borissov himself must take the role of prime minister. Borissov justified this by claiming that his leadership is crucial for achieving key national priorities, such as Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen Area and fiscal stability by March 2025.

CC-DB’s Rejection

CC-DB categorically rejected Borissov as a candidate for prime minister, labelling the proposal "absolutely unacceptable". CC-DB’s stance insists on the formation of a pro-European government led by a neutral, equidistant prime minister. CC-DB also accused GERB of attempting to obstruct parliamentary functions to secure the appointment of Borislav Sarafov as prosecutor general.

Media outlets cover CC-DB’s framing of the talks as an opportunity to form a cordon sanitaire around Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF)-New Beginning leader Delyan Peevski. Isolating him from power is a critical condition for moving forward. At the same time, CC-DB’s leadership criticized GERB’s tactics as deliberate stalling meant to pressure CC-DB into concessions.

Mutual Accusations

A back-and-forth of allegations has further escalated tensions. Borissov claimed that CC-DB is seeking excuses to justify potential collaboration with the nationalist party Vazrazhdane. He accused CC-DB of betraying their pro-European voter base. CC-DB countered by saying that GERB’s tactics are designed to block the legislature and advance their political interests.

Nova TV featured political analyst Dimitar Ganev, who suggested that both parties are more concerned with public posturing than genuine negotiations. Ganev argued that CC-DB’s hardline stance and GERB’s insistence on Borissov's prime minister position have locked the talks in a cycle of rhetoric, with neither side willing to compromise.

The Broader Context

The media have widely analyzed the broader implications of the deadlock. Outlets explained the fragmented nature of the political landscape, where neither GERB-UDF nor CC-DB has the necessary support to govern alone.

Political scientist Georgi Prodanov, speaking to BNR, said he believes a government involving GERB is possible, but only if Boyko Borissov gives up the prime minister position. Prodanov emphasized that clear and transparent governance could naturally diminish the influence of figures such as Delyan Peevski.

"The inability of parliamentary players to communicate effectively blocks not just talks, but also dialogue on key societal issues," Prodanov said. He argued that GERB and CC-DB must engage in open dialogue to move beyond the current deadlock. "If CC-DB presents their demands directly to Borissov, and he responds with equal clarity, it could reveal whether meaningful cooperation is possible," he noted.

He added that GERB must face the central question: can a government be formed without Borissov as prime minister? Prodanov suggested Borissov might voluntarily step aside and proposed that governance should focus on a clear programme with defined priorities.

Political analyst Dimitar Ganev told Nova TV that GERB-UDF and CC-DB are carefully navigating the political stalemate, wary of triggering new elections and being blamed for a collapse in talks. He argued that CC-DB’s cordon sanitaire declaration is a strategy to justify potential cooperation with GERB while maintaining credibility with their voters.

“They cannot simply close the door and say, ‘We are going to have elections again,’ because the other party will shift the blame onto them,” Ganev explained. He added, “No other majority is possible except between GERB-UDF and CC-DB.”

Ganev emphasized that while smaller parties, like There is Such a People (TISP), show willingness to engage, Borissov's stance remains a major obstacle. “The idea of Borissov as prime minister is opposed not only by TISP and CC-DB but also by the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP),” he noted. He urged both sides to focus on substantive dialogue rather than public posturing, saying, “A constructive conversation will not happen in the spotlight.”

Sega.bg underscored Borissov’s willingness to consider a short-term government, proposing a two- to three-month horizon to address pressing issues like Schengen accession.

***

Trud interviews lawyer Petar Slavov, a constitutional law expert, who commented on the parliamentary deadlock and constitutional challenges.

He attributes the stalemate in electing a National Assembly chair to poor legislative foresight. He argues that the Constitution’s reliance on common sense among MPs is proving ineffective, as parties impose restrictive lines, blocking compromise. This deadlock is further exacerbated by the list of eligible candidates for caretaker prime minister. Slavov criticizes this legislative change as an "unwise" complication that forces MPs to assess potential chairpersons in the context of their hypothetical suitability for a caretaker government role.

Slavov explains that the list of eligible candidates and related amendments, although not previously deemed unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court, are being challenged again by the President and MPs. He anticipates that the Court will make a decision within two months, pointing out that similar amendments have been invalidated in the past because they were impractical and caused governance issues.

Discussing whether President Rumen Radev can postpone issuing mandates for government formation until the Constitutional Court makes a ruling, Slavov stresses the importance of acting within a reasonable timeframe. He notes that while some delays are possible, the mandate process, which usually lasts about two months, coincides with the expected timeline for the Court's decision. Slavov believes this decision will clarify the constitutionality of the amendments and help avoid future legitimacy issues for a caretaker government.

***

Nova TV reported on a dispute between President Radev and caretaker Prime Minister Glavchev. Glavchev indirectly addressed Radev's recent criticism that the caretaker cabinet is politically biased, saying there is no clear political will behind the current caretaker government and all kinds of predators take advantage of that. Speaking to Nova TV, Glavchev acknowledged being approached by politicians but emphasized that decisions are made in accordance with the law and the Constitution.

Responding to controversy over the allocation of BGN 86 million to municipalities largely supporting MRF-New Beginning and GERB-UDF, Glavchev said that funding is distributed to other municipalities as well, regardless of voting patterns. Regarding the controversy surrounding the new headquarters for MRF-New Beginning, Glavchev said this was a party matter, not a government decision.

***

In a related story, BNT reported on statements by leader of MRF-New Beginning Delyan Peevski, who criticized alleged attempts to spread tension among Bulgarian municipalities amid political instability and uncertainty over forming a regular government. Peevski condemned speculations about banning the rollover of unspent municipal capital expenditure into the next year's budget, calling it a harmful "stress test" for local administrations. 

Peevski urged the caretaker government to resist political pressure, emphasizing the State's responsibility to municipalities. "For us, the well-being of municipalities is a primary commitment, and we will ensure this responsibility is upheld by all legal means," Peevski said.

***

Duma reports that BSP-United Left is initiating discussions with five political formations in the National Assembly: CC-DB, Vazrazhdane, Alliance for Rights and Freedoms (ARF), TISP, and MECh, to address the parliamentary crisis. The socialists aim to establish key legislative priorities and select a suitable chairperson for the National Assembly. BSP is firmly against collaborating with GERB and MRF-New Beginning, stressing the importance of forming an anti-GERB and anti-Peevski majority. Natalia Kiselova, a BSP-United Left MP, reiterates their stance against supporting GERB-led initiatives and opposes adopting the euro until people's income reaches the necessary levels, while rejecting calls for a referendum on a presidential republic, saying this is a matter for a Grand National Assembly, not a referendum.

ECONOMY

Mediapool.bg published an article examining the effectiveness of the Bulgarian National Bank’s (BNB) recent measures aimed at borrowers in the housing loan market.

Despite the introduction of these measures on October 1, designed to "control expansion" rather than halt lending, housing loans continued their rapid growth. According to the BNB's monetary statistics, housing loan growth in October reached an annual rate of 26.5%, the highest in 15 years. This marks an acceleration from the previous months, with loans increasing to BGN 24.13 billion, over BGN 500 million more than in September 2024.

The BNB’s new rules limit monthly loan payments to 50% of the borrower’s income, cap loans at 85% of property value, and set a maximum loan term of 30 years. However, analysts argue the measures are too lenient to slow lending significantly. BNB governor Dimitar Radev said that the goal is to manage, not stagnate, the market. Some experts attribute the October spike to borrowers rushing to secure loans before the rules took full effect.

Consumer loans also grew by 15% annually, totalling BGN 19.16 billion in October, while real estate prices continue their double-digit increases. Economists warn of an unhealthy housing market in major cities, especially Sofia, with expectations of a gradual impact from the new measures remaining speculative.

***

24 Chasa and bTV report that a wave of resignation requests from emergency teams at electricity distribution operator ERM Zapad threatens power outages in ten regions just before the holidays. The conflict, fuelled by low wages, escalated when five employees were prematurely dismissed, including those who voiced dissatisfaction publicly. Workers from 22 operational centres have submitted resignations, warning of delays in emergency responses. Dismissed worker Emil Preshelkov told bTV, "Our work is skilled and risky, yet salaries are below BGN 1,500." The company claims only ten resignations were submitted, but employees counter with evidence of around 300. The situation remains unresolved.

***

Dnevnik reports that Vitosha Boulevard in Sofia retains its 41st spot in Cushman & Wakefield's annual Main Streets Across the World ranking of the most expensive shopping streets. The average monthly rent on Vitosha is USD 70 per square metre, reflecting a 6% year-on-year increase. In the European ranking, Vitosha remains 51st, unchanged from last year.

***

Telegraf and BNR report that Pleven is experiencing an escalating water shortage crisis, with four kindergartens seeking municipal assistance for extra drinking water supplies. Daily water rationing persists in the city and 14 nearby areas. Mayor Valentin Hristov is contemplating declaring a state of emergency and has requested water supplies from the State Reserve. "We are in a critical situation," Hristov said, noting the municipality's preparedness to offer further support if necessary.

SPORTS

Mediapool.bg and BNR report on the financial dispute surrounding Olympic weightlifting bronze medallist Bozhidar Andreev and the Bulgarian sports ministry.

Andreev, a two-time European champion, claims the State owes him nearly BGN 200,000, including BGN 150,000 for his Olympic bronze medal and delayed monthly preparation subsidies. The sports ministry disputes this, saying it allocated over BGN 215,000 for weightlifters' preparation and recovery in 2024 and directly provided BGN 104,389 for Andreev and his coach from May to December. The ministry insists Andreev's decision to retire is personal.

Andreev described his situation as "humiliating," admitting he had to rely on his coach for financial support. He expressed regret for refusing offers to compete for other countries, saying, "I wanted to lift for Bulgaria… but now I regret my decision."

While the ministry asserts that Andreev received a BGN 60,000 prize for his European title, Andreev argues the delays make "mockery" of athletes. He has announced his withdrawal from the upcoming World Championships in Bahrain, leaving his return to competition uncertain. Meanwhile, allegations of misconduct within the Bulgarian Weightlifting Federation further complicate the sport's financial stability.

MEDIA

Dnevnik covers a study by the Association of European Journalists (AEJ), which reveals growing political pressure on Bulgarian journalists, with nearly 80% of respondents identifying increased interference. Party headquarters influence media through direct calls, economic dependencies, selective access to press events, and denial of information.

Key issues include the merger of economic and political interests in media management (75.2%), insufficient journalist training (60.7%), and concentrated media ownership (50.5%). SLAPP lawsuits are a notable tool of intimidation, affecting 17% of participants, predominantly in national media.

Self-censorship persists, with 38.3% admitting to avoiding significant topics due to financial, political, or institutional pressures, and this percentage has remained high over the years, AEJ said. Chronic stress affects 80% of journalists, linked to overwhelming workloads, sensitive stories, and newsroom climates.

SOCIETY

BNT released an analysis on the concerning increase in domestic violence in Bulgaria, noting a 54% rise in reported cases from January to October 2024, based on data from the Ministry of Interior. The report indicates more than 2,200 crimes linked to domestic violence and an unsettling 18% increase in protection orders issued by regional courts. Children are increasingly affected, with a 13% rise in reports of their physical and psychological suffering.

Psychologists and experts point out that violence often follows a cyclical pattern, frequently stemming from childhood experiences. The Code Blue project uses actors to reenact real-life abuse stories to increase awareness. "We need to be alert to the signs that indicate potential violence," said project member Lora Radkova.

Despite legal protection, societal challenges remain. In Burgas, the number of domestic violence cases managed by institutions has doubled. However, 42 victims have withdrawn their protection requests. Evgeni Uzunov, head of the Regional Court in Burgas, urged for collective efforts to tackle this concerning trend.

To address domestic violence, the Ministry of Interior and UNICEF launched the Never Again Violence at Home campaign. Information brochures are distributed, aiming to assist victims in finding support and taking steps to ensure their safety.

***

All dailies report that three minors were detained for assaulting an employee at a shopping mall in Sofia. The victim was taken to the Military Medical Academy for examination. Deputy Regional Prosecutor Atanas Dotsinski described the incident as a display of extreme cynicism and hooliganism, with no explanations given by the minors, aged 15 to 17. Two remain in custody, with the prosecution seeking to make it permanent. The third, too young to be held criminally responsible, was released. The Sofia District Court will review the detention measures later in the week.