site.btaMedia Review: December 20

No single topic dominated Friday’s news media.

Politics

Trud, 24 Chasa, Dnevnik, the Bulgarian National Television (BNT), the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR), bTV and Nova TV write that Continue the Change (CC) Co-chair Kiril Petkov announces he is officially charged over the March 2022 arrest of GERB leader Boyko Borissov. Speaking in Parliament, Petkov claims the case is politically motivated and criticizes the Sofia City Prosecution Office for targeting CC members while sparing parties involved in government negotiations.

Petkov highlights the detention of CC Co-chair Assen Vassilev’s driver, Lachezar Stavrev, over the holidays as a show of institutional control. He also condemns the stripping of CC deputy Lena Borislavova’s parliamentary immunity as an attempt to distract from what he calls a direct attack on CC.

Petkov also accuses the Supreme Administrative Court (SAC) of targeting CC’s district mayors in Sofia, citing the recent removal of two CC mayors from office. He claims these actions, for which he blames SAC Chair Georgi Cholakov acting under the influence of Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF)-New Beginning leader Delyan Peevski, are part of a broader effort to undermine CC. Petkov expresses confidence that the sacked mayors will win re-election.

Borislavova vows to waive her immunity after the holidays. She remains confident that she will be proven innocent, provided the investigation avoids fabricated evidence or false testimony.

Petkov further accuses Peevski of wielding undue influence over state institutions, declaring, “Peevski will never be a legitimate politician.”

CC Co-chair Assen Vassilev notes that immunity requests target only opposition parties, accusing the Prosecution of engaging in political manoeuvres rather than impartial legal actions. Vassilev likens belief that the prosecution service acted without illicit intent to believing in Santa Claus.

This follows recent moves by Sarafov, including seeking Petkov's and Borislavova's immunity, part of what CC describes as systematic attacks on the party.

***

Telegraph and Dnevnik cover the request of acting Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov to Parliament to strip six MPs of their immunity, citing ongoing criminal investigations. The MPs are Radostin Vasilev (MECh), Veselin Veshev (Vazrazhdane), Angel Georgiev (Vazrazhdane), Lena Borislavova (Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria), Gyunai Daloolu (MRF-New Beginning), and Mario Rangelov (MRF-Democracy, Rights and Freedoms).

The Sofia City Prosecution Office and Sofia Regional Prosecution Office have provided evidence implicating the MPs in various offenses. Radostin Vasilev faces allegations of coercion in a 2023 case. Veselin Veshev and Angel Georgiev are accused of hooliganism and minor bodily harm to law enforcement officers during incidents in 2021. Lena Borislavova is under investigation for alleged document fraud. Gyunai Daloolu is accused of using threats to secure preferential votes in Veliko Tarnovo during elections for the 49th National Assembly, while Mario Rangelov is linked to a vote-buying scheme during the 51st National Assembly elections, allegedly offering 50 BGN per voter in several towns.

This follows a separate request by Sarafov to lift the parliamentary immunity of CC Co-chair Kiril Petkov, linked to an ongoing investigation by the Sofia City Prosecution Office. Under the Bulgarian Constitution, MPs’ immunity can be lifted with parliamentary approval or the written consent of the MP involved.

***

Trud, Dnevnik, BNT, BNR, Nova TV and bTV cover the continued rounds of government formation negotiations between GERB-UDF and other political parties, represented in Parliament.

"I cannot support any part of this budget," says GERB leader Boyko Borissov. He answered a question whether he would be a candidate for a prime minister in a potential government. "I will never be the reason something does not happen. I know that no one can do it better than I can, but ultimately, this is a collective decision.”

He said that during the government formation negotiations with the first mandate, regional and healthcare topics are being discussed.

Borissov told the media that the negotiations for a government continue with Democratic Bulgaria (DB) and the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), and that meetings with There Is Such a People (TISP) are also being included.

Borissov speaks of his involvement in the negotiations. GERB and DB met with caretaker Finance Minister Lyudmila Petkova and Borissov joined via phone call. "I asked her [Petkova] to present the actual figures because there is a law requiring her to submit a budget with a 3% deficit." Borissov thinks the part of the law defining the 3% budget deficit should be repealed. 

"Alternatively, she [Petkova] must provide us, alongside this budget, with a report or analysis on the actual state of the country's finances, because it is in poor condition and the reasons behind this have a name," Borissov says.

***

Trud also covers continued discussions between representatives of GERB-UDF and DB on forming a government, focusing on education, healthcare, social policy, defence, and regional development.

Both parties agree that a security cooperation agreement with Ukraine can be signed immediately by the caretaker government or, if necessary, by a future regular government. Defence funding and salary increases for the sector remain top priorities.

Demographic issues and investment in human capital dominate talks on education, healthcare, and social policy, with emphasis on reforms and cross-sector collaboration.

Regional policy discussions highlight reducing socio-economic disparities through public investments in infrastructure and digitalization. Talks on internal security and energy will continue in the coming days.

***

Former Central Election Commission (CEC) member Mihail Konstantinov argues in Trud that the October 27, 2024, parliamentary election results accurately reflect the will of Bulgarian voters, despite common irregularities. Konstantinov dismisses claims of significant fraud and affirms that irregularities did not affect parliamentary representation.

He highlights the high accuracy of his small team of collaborators' pre-election forecasts, with prediction errors for major parties like GERB-UDF and Vazrazhdane at 0% and under 7% for major party groupings.

While the CEC published official results within the legal timeframe, these are now contested in the Constitutional Court. Konstantinov stresses that the results reflect voter intent and cautions against prolonged disputes or unrest.

***

Trud, BNT, BNR, bTV and Nova TV covered an announcement by Caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev in Brussels that he will not sign the Agreement with Ukraine, leaving the decision to a future regular government. Glavchev emphasizes there is no diplomatic tension, noting, “There will be no diplomatic scandal, there is absolute understanding, we are waiting for the National Assembly to give some direction on what we should do.”

Glavchev said that if a decision is reached in Parliament during the caretaker government’s term, he will proceed to sign alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Trud also reports that earlier in the day, National Assembly Chair Nataliya Kiselova declined to include the Agreement on the parliamentary agenda, despite a proposal from the Movement for Rights and Freedoms-New Beginning to mandate the caretaker Prime Minister to sign it.

***

Dnevnik provides comprehensive coverage of the events surrounding the refusal of the caretaker government to sign an agreement between Bulgaria and Ukraine. In what Dnevnik calls a day of political manoeuvring, GERB leader Boyko Borissov initially opposes the signing of a 10-year agreement with Ukraine, likening it to "buying a factory on September 9, 1944," [just before the regime change and nationalization of private property, meaning it was an exercise in futility], and calls for the caretaker government to not sign it. Borissov argues that long-term commitments should be made by a regular cabinet, referencing recent statements by Donald Trump on ending the Ukraine war.

However, following negotiations with Democratic Bulgaria (DB) later in the day, GERB reverses its position, stating the agreement could be signed immediately by the caretaker cabinet without parliamentary approval. If the caretaker government refuses, a future regular cabinet will sign it.

The issue sparks heated debate in the National Assembly, with MRF-New Beginning co-chair Delyan Peevski accusing National Assembly Chair Nataliya Kiselova of being a "servant of Moscow" for not allowing a parliamentary vote to expedite the approval for signing the agreement. Kiselova insists the decision lies with the government, not the parliament, in line with prior mandates.

Former Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov warns of a potential diplomatic scandal over Bulgaria's wavering stance. He criticizes Glavchev’s refusal to sign the agreement, calling his behaviour "inappropriate," and accuses GERB of inconsistency. DB MP Ivaylo Mirchev also alleges that Peevski orchestrated the situation to undermine negotiations for a regular cabinet.

Caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev, speaking from Brussels, denies the risk of a diplomatic scandal and emphasizes Zelenskyy’s understanding of Bulgaria's position. Glavchev reiterates he will not sign the agreement without the approval of the National Assembly.

***

BNR reported on the text of the draft agreement between Bulgaria and Ukraine. The agreement details cooperation in military, energy, and humanitarian areas. The document, which has been submitted to parliament but not yet approved, suggests that Bulgaria provide electricity to Ukraine, train Ukrainian military personnel, and work together on demining the Black Sea. It focuses on improving trade routes for Ukrainian agricultural exports and supporting peace in Ukraine based on Kyiv's terms. The agreement also backs establishing a tribunal for Russian aggression and commits to humanitarian aid, fixed-price electricity during winter, and promoting Bulgarian language education in Ukraine. Amendments and termination clauses are included in the agreement's framework.

***

Dnevnik writes that Delyan Peevski moves closer to taking full control of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) as his faction, MRF-New Beginning, prepares to elect Peevski as chair at a National Conference on December 22, marking the culmination of a year-long power struggle with honorary chair Ahmed Dogan, who opposes his leadership.

Peevski’s faction has gained strength through regional nominations and changes in leadership, as well as control of the party subsidy and brand. The conference is expected to repeal provisions supporting Dogan’s honorary status and return the party to a single-leader structure. Peevski states, “The MRF will have only one chair,” and confirms plans to remove Dogan’s role from the party statute.

Dogan’s camp challenges the legitimacy of the upcoming conference and decisions made by Peevski’s faction, vowing to take legal action. Timur Halilov, chair of the Central Control Commission and Dogan loyalist, claims, “People who have never been members of the MRF cannot gather and expel MRF members. This does not comply with the law or the statute.”

The internal conflict has also attracted international attention. Sources indicate efforts to exclude Peevski’s MRF from the European liberal family, ALDE, due to Peevski’s leadership and sanctions against him for corruption. ALDE Secretary General Didrik de Schaetzen recently welcomed a cordon sanitaire around Peevski, hinting at potential exclusion.

If Peevski consolidates control, Dogan’s faction is expected to form a new liberal-democratic political project. However, the group faces challenges, including lack of subsidies and headquarters, and may need to rely on coalitions for future elections, Dnevnik writes.

***

BNR and BNT reported that the National Assembly has appointed members to the Committee on Budget and Finance and the Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs, both of which will not have chairs. The Committee on Budget and Finance includes seven members from GERB-UDF, three each from CC-DB, Vazrazhdane, and MRF-New Beginning, two each from BSP-United Left, MRF-Democracy, Rights and Freedoms (DRF), and TISP, and one from MECh. MPs will be on a Christmas break until January 5, with the Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs having a similar composition from the parliamentary groups.

***

In the morning hours on December 20, Nova TV reported in the on a statement by Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov. He said his party will send a report to the State Agency for National Security later in the day in relation to an alleged attempt to recruit Bulgarian municipal councillors on a large scale.

"Since last week, hundreds of messages have been sent via the email of the National Association of Municipalities in Bulgaria, offering to organize a training programme in the USA to acquire leadership skills. It is not appropriate for Bulgarian municipal councillors, judges, prosecutors, employees, and officials to be trained by a foreign organization," Kostadinov said.

Law

Capital publishes an analysis on Sofia City Administrative Court (SCAC) overturning a decision by the Counter-Corruption Commission (CCC), which led to the removal of Andrey Gyurov as Deputy Governor of the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB). The court finds that the commission lacked a valid mandate and violated procedural norms by failing to notify Gyurov of the proceedings or allow him the opportunity to present evidence.

The court’s ruling highlights systemic issues within Bulgarian institutions, raising questions about the legitimacy and functioning of the anti-corruption commission. Since January 2024, the commission has operated without the required parliamentary mandate, a problem the court calls "legally intolerable." A member of Gyurov’s legal team, Nikolay Nikolov, stresses the broader significance of the ruling: “This decision, although not final, signals that the judicial system is functioning and responding to acts that affect citizens' rights.”

The court also invalidates the allegations of incompatibility, noting that Gyurov had resigned from the roles cited as problematic well before his appointment. Furthermore, the decision states that procedural violations by the commission led to an incorrect conclusion regarding Gyurov’s eligibility.

This case has significant implications for the independence of the BNB, as well as broader concerns about governance in Bulgaria. Another member of Gyurov’s legal team, Hristo Hristev, comments: "The court recognizes the invalidity of the commission's actions because it lacked the authority to determine incompatibility in this case."

The case is closely watched by the European Commission and the European Central Bank (ECB), with potential ramifications for central bank independence across the EU, says Capital. A letter from ECB President Christine Lagarde presented in court underscores the gravity of the issue, particularly as the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) is set to review related questions. The CJEU will determine whether an external body like CCC can legally assess the incompatibility of central bank officials, with its decision expected to have EU-wide implications.

In the meantime, the ruling also casts doubt on other decisions made by CCC since its mandate lapsed. If the court’s decision is upheld on appeal, all such actions may be invalidated, further undermining trust in Bulgaria’s institutional framework.

The analysis also exposes critical structural flaws in the functioning of Bulgaria’s anti-corruption bodies, specifically CCC and the Commission for Forfeiture of Illegally Acquired Assets (CFIAA). The court highlights that since January 2024, CFIAA has operated without a legally constituted mandate, violating the law's requirements for parliamentary appointment of its members.

Compounding this issue, the same individuals simultaneously perform functions for both the formerly existing body – Commission for Anti-Corruption and Illegal Assets Forfeiture (CACIAF), which split into CFIAA and CCC, and CFIAA, creating a legally ambiguous overlap. These dual roles undermine the principles of legality and accountability, with the court calling the situation “intolerable” for the rule of law. The lack of separation between these bodies raises concerns that they may be used as political tools rather than functioning as independent and impartial entities.

The saga continues as Gyurov awaits the outcome of related proceedings before the Supreme Administrative Court and the CJEU. Observers note that the case could reshape the parameters of institutional independence and anti-corruption enforcement in Bulgaria and beyond.

International visits

Trud, Telegraph, Bulgarian National Television (BNT), Bulgarian National Radio (BNR), Nova TV and bTV report on NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visit to the Novo Selo training area during his first trip to Bulgaria, emphasizing the country’s pivotal role in NATO’s security, particularly in the Black Sea region. Rutte met with Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov and Foreign Minister Ivan Kondov, praising the Multinational Battle Group hosted by Bulgaria with Italy as the framework nation.

“Bulgaria plays a key role in NATO's security, both in the Black Sea region and beyond,” Rutte said, commending Bulgaria’s contribution to the Alliance and its support for Ukraine in resisting Russian aggression. He highlighted the importance of maintaining high defence spending and thanks Bulgaria for its efforts toward NATO’s shared security.

Defence Minister Zapryanov, quoted by BNT, says "Bulgaria cannot defend its territory on its own and therefore is a member of NATO, relying on collective defence and contributing to it. To achieve this, we must maintain modern armed forces that are well-equipped and staffed."

***

In the morning hours on December 20, bTV and BNT reported that Hungary's Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, is visiting Bulgaria at the invitation of President Rumen Radev later in the day. They will discuss strengthening bilateral relations, key issues on the European Union's agenda, and regional security challenges. After their meeting, Radev and Orban will deliver joint statements to the media.

Society

24 Chasa publishes a series of analysis of the scandal involving the financial pyramid scheme BETL, which promised profits from investments in mobile charging stations in China, leaves 30,000 Bulgarians defrauded of $80 million. Despite police investigations, the funds, converted into cryptocurrencies, remain untraceable. Analysists liken BETL to Ponzi schemes from the 1990s, exploiting gullibility and financial illiteracy in periods of social and economic uncertainty.

Psychologist Professor Margarita Bakracheva explains: "General uncertainty drives people to seek quick solutions, and expectations and emotions dull critical thinking. When we lose it, we can easily fall victim."

Historian Pencho Penchev adds: "These schemes persist because greed and the belief that 'this time is different' are timeless. Fraudsters always find new ways to exploit naivety and attract interest."

The report highlights systemic issues such as increasing bad loans, rapid growth in gambling, and widespread use of quick loans. These conditions, coupled with technological advancements, allow scams to thrive, often targeting victims through social pressure and emotional manipulation. Analysists call for better financial literacy to counteract these frauds, as regulations alone cannot fully prevent them.

***

24 Chasa publishes an analysis on the rise of dangerous TikTok challenges, which prompts renewed concerns about their impact on children.

A recent incident involving a sixth grader narrowly escaping harm during a challenge reignites the debate, with educators and parents alarmed by the growing trend.

Principal Diyan Stamatov of Sofia’s 119th School calls for a nationwide ban on TikTok, labelling the platform a danger to children. However, Principal Asen Alexandrov of the 51st School opposes such measures, stating, “Negative examples for children cannot be stopped, but the approach to limiting them should be through education, not prohibitions.”

The article highlights how TikTok’s appeal to young users fosters risky behaviour, such as the infamous Flying Superman challenge. The analysis argues that banning social networks is ineffective and counterproductive, emphasizing the importance of family, school, and societal collaboration.

Blaming platforms like TikTok for these incidents is equated to blaming tools for their misuse. The solution, the article stresses, lies in teaching critical thinking and providing children with the tools to navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital world. “Encourage children to think! This is the true challenge, and it depends on us, in real time and in the right place.”

***

Capital explores the success of Bulgaria's science Olympiad champions, who consistently win medals at international competitions despite systemic issues in the country’s broader educational system. While these students showcase exceptional talent, their achievements contrast sharply with Bulgaria’s declining performance in mass education, where results from the Programme for International Student Assessment rank the country last in the EU for mathematics.

Bulgaria's success in producing world-class talents stems from a tightly knit academic community, specialized schools, and external funding. Executive Director Natural Sciences Olympic Teams Association Valkan Goranov says: “The presence of research companies like EnduroSat and institutions like INSAIT will surely keep more Bulgarian Olympiad champions here.” However, the challenge remains whether Bulgaria can retain or attract these talents back after they complete their studies abroad.

Many Olympiad participants secure offers from top universities such as MIT, Cambridge, and Oxford. Rumen Hristov, a medallist who now runs a business in Boston, says: "I saw an older classmate get into MIT after winning an Olympiad medal, which inspired me to start preparing."

Others, like 20-year-old Krum Alexandrov, choose to stay in Bulgaria, citing practical advantages such as early career opportunities and close-knit professional networks. Alexandrov notes, “The material we study here is nearly identical to what is covered in universities abroad, but I can gain hands-on experience while studying.”

The labour market for Bulgarian science talents presents a trade-off: higher salaries and more opportunities in Western Europe and the U.S. versus quicker career realization and practical experience in Bulgaria. While 20-year-old Olympiad participant Krum Alexandrov plans to explore options abroad due to limited prospects in chemistry locally, others like astrophysicist Rosita Kokotanekova find challenges abroad, including limited academic positions.

Positive developments in Bulgaria include increasing salaries, better funding for ambitious scientific programs, and opportunities for young researchers to lead projects. Institutions like INSAIT and companies like EnduroSat are attracting talent with competitive pay and international collaborations. As Valkan Goranov points out, "Boundaries no longer exist," allowing Bulgarian scientists to participate in global projects from Bulgaria or contribute to local projects while abroad.

Agriculture

Trud covers Kostadin Kostadinov, leader of the far-right party Vazrazhdane, who criticizes the Ministry of Agriculture and the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency from the parliamentary rostrum, accusing them of double standards in handling farmers affected by disease outbreaks.

Citing cases in Kabile (Southeast Bulgaria) and Velingrad (South Bulgaria), he says, “In Velingrad, the herd was spared, likely because a political shield protects it. Meanwhile, in Kabile, 85 sheep were slaughtered without even conducting tests.”

Kostadinov highlights Bulgaria’s agricultural decline since EU accession, adding, “We had ten times more sheep 35 years ago. Today, 80% of our food is imported.” He warns of a potential nationwide quarantine, asserting, “18,000 sheep farmers in Bulgaria will suffer because of the decisions of a handful of people.”

He concludes with a strong appeal, asking for parity of enforcement measures to avoid unfairness and lawsuits against the State.

***

Trud also covers an interview on Bulgarian National Television (BNT) by Deputy Executive Director of the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) Valentin Atanasov. Atanasov confirms that laboratory results from the Montpellier laboratories validate the presence of sheep plague in Bulgaria. Despite the outbreak, Atanasov emphasizes that the affected animals will not be euthanized.

Farmers have cooperated fully during sample collection, and Atanasov asserts that the BFSA has adhered to all legal requirements in handling the situation. Experts from the European Commission are conducting an on-site assessment, with a report and recommendations expected soon.

“The laboratory results from Montpellier are 100% confirmed, and the disease is present in Bulgaria, but the animals will not be euthanized,” Atanasov states, adding that penalties may follow due to non-compliance with EU regulations. 

He stressed that the BFSA has fulfilled its responsibilities, adhering to high professional standards and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

***

Telegraph interviews Svetlozar Patarinski, Executive Director of the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA), who addresses the outbreak of sheep plague in Velingrad and its implications. Patarinski clarifies that the infection occurred through direct contact, not vaccination, and emphasizes that no plans exist to euthanize the herd, which remains under quarantine.

Regarding an upcoming EU inspection, Patarinski says, “Two experts are coming, one is a laboratory chief and the other a veterinary expert from the European Commission. This is not a punitive mission, but a routine inspection conducted in every EU country.”

Patarinski highlights the weak link in animal smuggling as inadequate control, adding, “BFSA begins control from the border of the livestock facility. We monitor the animals’ health status and compliance but do not have authority over transportation or road checks.”

The outbreak in Velingrad stems from the same virus strain found in Greece, which has mutated to cause low mortality. “Even if the animals appear healthy or have antibodies, the virus remains in them and can manifest under stress,” Patarinski explains.

BFSA is conducting an internal audit in Pazardzhik following public backlash, suspending responsible officials and evaluating measures taken. Despite challenges, Patarinski thanks responsible farmers for adhering to hygiene requirements and reporting risks promptly.