site.btaMedia Review: December 2

HEADLINES

Parliament's continued deadlock after eight failed attempts to elect a chair, and Democrats for a Strong Bulgaria (DSB) nomination of Atanas Atanassov for the position dominate Monday's news media.

POLITICS

All dailies report on the ongoing deadlock in the Bulgarian Parliament, focusing on the Democrats for a Strong Bulgaria's (DSB) nomination of Atanas Atanassov as chair of the National Assembly, which gained the backing of coalition partners Yes, Bulgaria! and Continue the Change. While GERB signalled potential support for Atanassov's candidacy only if negotiations for a government led by GERB leader Boyko Borissov are initiated, Continue the Change (CC) refused discussions with GERB, citing the latter's rejection of a declaration to isolate the Movement for Rights and Freedoms-New Beginning's Delyan Peevski. If Atanassov fails to secure enough votes, CC plans to back a candidate from a party that supports these restrictions.

Trud, 24 Chasa, Dnevnik, Telegraf, bTV, Nova TV, the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR), the Bulgarian National Television (BNT), Mediapool and Sega.bg publish a series of interviews with key figures from GERB and the Bulgarian Socialist Party's candidate for chair of Parliament, Natalia Kiselova.

GERB's Daniel Mitov stresses the need for pragmatic discussions to form a government and move past the parliamentary deadlock. "Support for Atanas Atanassov is linked to backing Boyko Borissov as a candidate for prime minister, but everything can be resolved through negotiations."

GERB's Denitsa Sacheva reinforces GERB's demand for Boyko Borissov to lead as prime minister in a regular government. However, she does not definitively say whether GERB would support Atanassov next Wednesday. She describes the mantra of an equidistant prime minister as meaningless. "Being equidistant, will he implement his own personal policies or the policies of the ruling majority that will support him? The concept of equidistance is not even accepted within CC-DB."

GERB's Toma Bikov underlines the need for concrete political alliances and negotiations, tying GERB's support for Atanassov's nomination to broader coalition discussions. "Atanas Atanassov's candidacy is a possibility for negotiations, but GERB's support will depend on meaningful talks for a governing majority."

BSP's Natalia Kiselova argues that the legislative deadlock won’t end merely with electing a Parliament chair due to deeper disagreements on parliamentary priorities. "Even if a chair is elected, the deadlock won’t break, if the deputy chairs are voted on separately," she said, adding that the National Assembly has several pressing tasks, such as the new budget, the discussion regarding the immunity of a certain member of Parliament, whether to establish the anti-corruption committee, and how to halt the procedures for selecting the Prosecutor General and the President of the Supreme Administrative Court. Duma also reports on Kiselova's statements.

Sega.bg and BNR also publish reactions by Yes, Bulgaria's Ivaylo Mirchev, part of the CC-DB coalition. "Yes, Bulgaria holds a positive view and believes that General Atanas Atanassov would make an excellent chair of the National Assembly. I even think that his candidacy could resolve the current parliamentary crisis, which is indeed unprecedented for Bulgaria […] This has no connection to GERB leader Boyko Borissov's proposal to become Prime Minister. We support Atanassov as National Assembly chair, but we will not support Borissov as prime minister."

Sega.bg quotes GERB leader Borissov. "We will not sign the declaration of CC-DB. All they want to do is once again suppress people with different views," Borissov said. In Borissov's opinion, Peevski, who is sanctioned under the Magnitsky Act, is simply a person with different views.

"When CC-DB are asked by the media about their proposal for an equidistant prime minister, they respond, "We have a name, but we'll announce it later," Borissov said. He believes that CC-DB either do not have a candidate for equidistant prime minister, or they are keeping that a "deep secret." He noted that they are willing to form any alliances just to achieve their goals.

"Our ideological battle is with Vazrazhdane, not with CC-DB," Borissov said. He added that they do not realize this and are "blinded by hatred, clinging to whatever version of truth they believe."

"Two weeks after the elections, parties with 18 MPs, representing votes similar to those in Targovishte, take the stage and start sharing their opinions, claiming their views are the most accurate and speaking for the people. Who gave you that authority?" Borissov asked. He reminded that GERB has 69 MPs in the National Assembly.

"As a party, we need a minimum of 77-78 MPs, then we will seek allies," Borissov said.

Nova TV also reports on responses and reactions of political leaders to this development. GERB's Rosen Zhelyazkov spoke in an interview with Nova TV and reiterated his party's proposal from a few days ago, codenamed "A and B" – Atanassov for the chair of the assembly and Borissov for prime minister. CC's Andrey Tsekov was also interviewed and said his party will not negotiate with GERB. BSP keeps supporting their candidate, Natalia Kiselova. There Is Such a People (TISP) will also vote for their candidate, Silvi Kirilov. Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov posted on social media that CC supports Borissov, DB supports Peevski, yet they both blame Vazrazhdane for the current situation. APS will deliberate until Wednesday, said Ilhan Kyuchuk. MRF-New Beginning and MECh did not comment.

***

Media outlets also report on the National Assembly's legislative deadlock after eight failed attempts to elect a chair, with deep political divisions and shifting alliances stalling progress. GERB-UDF withdrew their candidate, leaving three nominees in the latest vote: Natalia Kiselova (BSP-United Left), Silvi Kirilov (TISP), and Petar Petrov (Vazrazhdane). Neither Kiselova nor Kirilov secured a majority in a contentious run-off, with MRF-New Beginning boycotting the vote and tensions escalating over accusations of political manipulation. CC-DB conditioned its support on isolating MRF's Delyan Peevski, while Vazrazhdane accused CC-DB of aligning with Peevski. TISP reiterated Kirilov's candidacy for the next vote, scheduled for December 4.

***

24 Chasa, Nova TV, bTV and BNT highlight President Rumen Radev's call for a swift resolution to the parliamentary stalemate, emphasizing the need to elect a National Assembly chair to "clear the entire process" and enable progress toward forming a government.

Speaking in Silistra, President Radev urged MPs to fulfil their constitutional duty, stating, "Our members of Parliament must recognize their responsibility to constitute the National Assembly and begin work." He also stressed the urgency of addressing the 2025 state budget, adding, "People are waiting for a budget. This is not just the MPs' responsibility; it is their constitutional obligation."

***

24 Chasa publishes an analysis by Professor Plamen Panayotov, a criminal law expert, who argues that parliamentary parties avoid assuming political responsibility and prioritize personal leadership interests over national ones. This lack of open dialogue and destructive competition undermines democratic processes, he says.

Panayotov points out the failure to implement the 2020-2025 National Penal Policy Concept, noting that only the Criminology Research Council has been reactivated. He criticizes Bulgaria's penal policy for being populist instead of being focused on clear goals and societal needs.

He advocates for reducing punitive measures, especially for transportation-related offences, and stresses the importance of legal amendments developed by experts who understand the legislative framework. Panayotov also notes that factors like unemployment, low wages, and regional disparities contribute to societal problems such as domestic violence.

***

24 Chasa and BNR report on comments by election expert Krasimir Kalinov regarding the Constitutional Court's decision to conduct a recount of ballots from the recent parliamentary elections. The recount will cover results from 1,777 sections and review invalid ballots from 442 sections, totalling 2,219 sections across Bulgaria. Kalinov notes that experts, including statisticians, lawyers, mathematicians, and former Central Election Commission (CEC) members, will conduct the recount, starting December 2 and concluding by January 10, 2025.

Kalinov highlights logistical challenges, such as locating ballot bags stored in municipal facilities, some of which may be difficult to find. "If some ballot bags are missing, we won’t have a useful path forward […] The information would simply be gone," he explains. He also suggests that video surveillance during the recount could increase public confidence in the process.

The expert believes the recount could uncover the 21 additional votes needed for Velichie to enter the 51st National Assembly. "From what I’ve seen in the copies of the CEC tally sheets, I think these votes will be found […] If so, this would disrupt the current parliamentary structure by adding another party," Kalinov concludes.

***

Interviewed by BNR on Monday morning, sociologist Kolyo Kolev said that there is a small chance of a coalition in Parliament comprised of CC-DB, GERB-UDF and BSP. The expert said: "This formula was reported as the only possible one. But this is becoming less and less likely. If such a coalition cabinet were to take place, it would last from six months to a year and no more, because it is loaded with internal contradictions. Elections in early April [2025] are more likely."

***
Caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev, speaking to BNT in the early hours on Monday, called on the National Assembly to begin work on the national budget, emphasizing the need to maintain a 3% deficit for accession to the eurozone . "The budget will be introduced once the political situation is clarified. We are ready with the budget," he said. Glavchev criticized the failure to elect a National Assembly chair, calling suggestions of the chair serving as caretaker prime minister "strange" and "a step down" in the state hierarchy. He urged political leaders to form a stable government, emphasizing, "It is best to form a regular government with political support." On EU funds, he reassured there is no risk of forfeiture, noting, "The European Commission is patient enough," but stressed the need for legal adjustments.

ECONOMY

While political negotiations dominate headlines, economic concerns also take centre stage, with the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission's (EWRC) approval of a 10.48% natural gas price hike for December.

Multiple outlets report on this development, which sets the rate at BGN 75.89/MWh, excluding additional costs.

The price, proposed by state-owned Bulgargaz, is BGN 11/MWh below the TTF index for December and BGN 17/MWh lower than current European market rates. Bulgargaz had suggested a slightly lower rate of BGN 73.92/MWh in mid-November.

bTV interviewed Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov, who explained that the approved 10.4% increase in natural gas prices for December, raising the cost to 75.89 BGN/MWh, reflects seasonal trends and global market dynamics. He said, "Bulgarian households and businesses can rest assured – the secured quantities of liquefied natural gas are sufficient."

He also emphasized Bulgaria's competitive position, noting that December's price is 11 BGN lower than the European average. He highlighted sufficient reserves in the Chiren storage facility, which is 92% full, and imports of liquefied natural gas.

"Chiren is undoubtedly a significant project for Bulgaria and the region. It was one of the initiatives launched during my tenure at Bulgartransgaz, as the expansion of Chiren has been a topic since before 2010".

While acknowledging potential further price increases, Malinov added, "We are monitoring the market closely and will react if needed."

***

Trud and BNT write that the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) projects persistently high inflation for services and food prices, fuelled by strong private consumption and rising labour costs. Inflation in services remains at around 4% by the end of 2024, while food prices grow faster than global trends.

BNB forecasts inflation will reach 2.5% by the end of 2025 and stabilize at 2.4% by 2026. The reintroduction of the standard VAT rate for bread, flour, and public catering in 2025 further drives price increases in these sectors.

***

Telegraf, Nova TV, bTV, BNT and BNR report on power outages due to the snow in parts of West Bulgaria due to network failures, affecting areas in Tran, Pernik, Kyustendil, and Sofia regions, as well as municipalities like Razlog, Bansko, and Kresna. While some locations had power restored during the day, others awaited resolution by late evening on the same day.

***

BNR reports on Bulgaria's fiscal deficit for October 2024, which stands at BGN 3.96 billion (2% of GDP) below the annual target of BGN 6.2 billion. The fiscal reserve totals BGN 14.41 billion. Revenues reached BGN 58.13 billion (77.2% of projections), with tax income rising by 12.5%. Expenditures amounted to BGN 62.1 billion (76.2%), driven by increased pensions and wages.

AGRICULTURE

Nova TV, bTV, Mediapool and Dnevnik report on the ongoing outbreak of goat plague in Velingrad, highlighting the government's response and opposition by farmers. Deputy Agriculture Minister Deyan Stratev confirms the accuracy of Bulgarian and European reference laboratory results, emphasizing that compensation exceeding market value will be provided to affected farmers.

"We understand the farmers' concerns, but the law is clear – if there is even one positive test, the entire herd must be culled. The minister met with them to discuss the situation. Initially, there was an agreement, but by the end of the day, they had changed their minds. External factors are influencing this situation. These factors are political, involving parties not currently represented in Parliament. The evidence can be seen on social media." Stratev says.

Farmers and supporters protest the culling order, with some disputing the test results and asserting the animals' health. "I see a healthy herd; according to all the rules of logic and medicine, if there were a plague, this herd should all be dead," one of the protesters says.

Caretaker Agriculture Minister Georgi Tahov reiterates the necessity of culling to prevent economic repercussions and safeguard public health measures.

"The risks of hiding a disease are significant. This disease is dangerous and spreads through contact. Livestock farmers attending the protest and coming into contact with the farm could infect their animals", Tahov said.

***

National Sheep and Goat Breeding Association (NSGBA) Co-chair Simeon Karakolev insisted in an interview for the Bulgarian National Television on Monday morning that the leadership of the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) should resign. Karakolev accused the Agency of lacking transparency in their actions, which led to mistrust among farmers. He alleged that veterinarians that work on farms have an interest in spreading infectious diseases. According to Karakolev: "Someone needs to explain to these farmers what this disease is and the stages it goes through. They need to be informed that these animals must be euthanized. Here is the compensation we will provide for your animals. The authorities enter as if they were commandos, but the BFSA is not a specialized unit that should operate anonymously and surprise farmers." He warned that if BFSA continues to fail in its duties, Bulgaria will likely get sanctioned by the EU and the European Commission.

Another Co-chair of the NSGBA, Dean Todorov, told the Bulgarian National Radio that another point of failure of BFSA is the complete lack of disinfectants. According to Todorov, if the disease is as serious as was suggested, then much stricter measures should have been introduced. He said: "People from all over Bulgaria should not be allowed to enter the farm. A sanitary corridor should have been organized, there should have been checkpoints, there should have been disinfection. We see nothing like that. We do not see veterinarians on the ground to carry out such controls, and we are talking about a particularly dangerous disease, since the State wants to take such restrictive measures. If this disease gets spreads to other farms, that would be disastrous for us." Todorov warned that there are indications that the sheep plague from the problematic flock in Velingrad may have spread to other flocks.

SOCIETY

BNT reports on youth violence in shopping malls and society, highlighting deep-rooted issues behind the aggression.

The surge in violent incidents, including groups targeting weaker peers in malls and public spaces, has led to increased patrols and security measures. Psychologist Plamen Dimitrov views the aggression as a "cry for help," driven by neglect, lack of role models, and deeper societal problems.

Vanya Tsonkova of the Sofia Directorate of Interior notes a rise in hooliganism among minors and highlights challenges in enforcing corrective measures due to limited resources and parental resistance.

Kickboxing champion Ivan Krаstanov emphasizes the importance of early sports involvement, family support, and teaching ethical behaviour to channel aggression positively. He warns against unregulated training clubs and advises parents to carefully choose training environments.

Dimitrov calls for systemic psychological support and prevention programmes, criticizing current institutions as outdated and ineffective. "Repressive measures alone won't solve the problem; it's time for real treatment," he concludes.

CULTURE

Nova TV reports that experimental musician Mirian Kolev is releasing a new album with sounds that he recorded while travelling on an old train in North-Central Bulgaria. The album is named 1971 after the year when the railcars operating the route were produced in the Latvian capital of Riga. The music has a minimalist style, with a dark industrial flavour.