site.btaMedia Review: December 30

The escalating crisis caused by prolonged power outages in parts of Bulgaria dominate Monday's news media.

ENERGY

Telegraph, Dnevnik and Mediapool.bg write about the escalating crisis caused by prolonged power outages in villages near Lovech, where residents plan to protest by blocking the Sofia-Varna road near Ablanitsa on Monday. In the village of Radyuvene, Mayor Ignat Ignev reported that “about 40 households are still in distress,” with fallen trees disrupting power lines. He added, “We hope teams will come today to fix the outages, as the situation is becoming critical.”

Lovech Mayor Stratsimir Petkov noted rising tensions among residents, some of whom are threatening disobedience. “These villages had no water in the summer, and now they have neither water nor electricity,” Petkov said, rejecting excuses for damage caused by fallen tall trees as unacceptable.

In Apriltsi, Mayor Tihomir Kukenski blamed electricity distributor Electrohold and the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) for ongoing power issues, adding that heavy snow often causes such disruptions. While power has been restored in most areas, some households remain without electricity and “many tourists are cancelling their New Year bookings.”

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Mediapool.bg examines the looming 9% electricity price hike in Bulgaria, set for January 1, 2025, against the backdrop of widespread power outages during the Christmas holidays that left thousands of households in darkness and cold. The outages and proposed price increase have sparked public discontent and protests, prompting the EWRC and the Energy Ministry to investigate electricity distribution companies’ investment practices. Critics argue these actions highlight regulatory shortcomings, as oversight of investments and service quality should be routine.

To ease tensions, the government announced BGN 2 million in compensation for around 20,000 affected households, mostly in smaller settlements where outages also disrupt mobile and water services. Additionally, BGN 327 million in EU grants will be allocated to electricity distribution companies and the state-owned Electricity System Operator (ESO) for network modernization, aiming to avoid passing investment costs directly to consumers.

The article raises concerns about whether electricity distribution companies prioritize urban areas at the expense of smaller settlements, particularly in mountainous regions where outages are more frequent. Questions also arise about potential political pressure on these companies to minimize maintenance costs for medium and low voltage networks in an effort to keep electricity prices affordable.

Delyan Peevski, leader of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF), has emerged as a vocal critic of electricity companies, calling for a review of their investment and technical practices. Mediapool.bg points out that Peevski’s demands have significantly influenced both the EWRC and the government, raising concerns about the independence of these institutions. Despite Peevski’s controversial history, including sanctions for corruption by the US and UK, his growing influence is evident in his threats to revoke company licenses if issues persist. His rhetoric aligns with the MRF’s shift from liberalism to national conservatism, echoed by other political figures adopting similar nationalist stances.

Mediapool.bg concludes that systemic governance issues, including Parliament’s failure to renew the EWRC’s composition and the politicization of regulators, undermine effective oversight. These gaps result in the public facing the consequences of unplanned interventions and inadequate infrastructure investment, with ongoing tensions regarding electricity prices and outages.

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Bulgarian National Television (BNT) reported on statements by MRF leader Delyan Peevski, who called for the immediate resignation of members of EWRC on Monday morning. Peevski criticized EWRC members for failing to protect consumer interests during the electricity crisis, accusing them of misleading the public with an emergency inspection and then disappearing from view. He urged them to take responsibility rather than hiding behind "weather conditions, expired mandates, or insufficient powers," and called for an investigation into potential "oligarchic and business ties."

He also condemned electricity distribution companies for neglecting grid maintenance and modernization obligations and denounced the proposed 9% electricity price hike as "extremely cynical and unacceptable," given taxpayers’ contributions to the sector. "This farce must end, and electricity must be restored to the people," he declared.

Peevski announced that MRF-New Beginning would propose dismissing EWRC members and electing a new regulator in Parliament, vowing to support protests and be "the voice of the people" in ensuring public accountability.

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Trud reports that Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov announced 8,100 households remain without power across 105 settlements. Efforts are underway to reduce outages to 6,000 by 11:00 PM on Saturday, with full restoration expected by Monday.

Malinov criticized electricity distributors, saying, “I will not recognize the existence of force majeure circumstances concerning the electricity distribution companies.” He urged citizens to claim compensation, confirming they will receive “BGN 30 for each hour without power.” He added, “We are not helping the electricity distribution companies but the Bulgarian citizens.”

Malinov called for an investigation by EWRC into potential violations. “If there are violations, I will insist on sanctions,” he added.

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Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) aired an interview with Bogomil Nikolov from the Active Consumers Association, who criticized the State’s role in the ongoing electricity crisis, including six-day power outages in parts of the country. "Everything is in the hands of the State, and now we will just wait for handouts, nothing more," he said, highlighting the lack of consumer rights in the State-controlled energy sector.

Nikolov slammed the regulatory framework, which he argued offers no functional compensation mechanisms for consumers. "These are not typical commercial relations where the consumer has market power," he explained, adding that similar crises occurred in late 2023 without any improvements. "The State, as always, will now have grand promises, and everything will last three days," he remarked.

He criticized the State for assuming energy companies’ responsibilities, saying, "The worst part is that the State dips into the common pot to pay for its unfinished work." Nikolov called for structural reforms to prevent recurring failures and argued that the current regulatory system lacks transparency and accountability.

Regarding the proposed electricity price hike, Nikolov decried the lack of transparency, stating, "As long as decisions are made in closed sessions, the conversation is pointless." He concluded that systemic defects, such as inadequate investments and maintenance, are the root causes of recurring outages.

POLITICS

Nova TV aired a segment featuring journalists Yuri Velev, Lyudmil Iliev, and Ruzha Raycheva, who provided an analysis of the events of the past political year.

"The political crisis has been the main issue this year, and it is very serious. After the holidays, we will be facing it again," Raycheva said.

"What we expected from politicians was not achieved. We have several state bodies with expired mandates that need to be renewed. Ultimately, term limits are a fundamental pillar of democracy," Iliev noted.

Assessing Bulgaria's financial and economic situation, Velev said, "This year, Bulgaria has not made progress towards Europe. There is no enthusiasm for joining Schengen. Many Bulgarians still do not have consistent access to water, and even a small amount of snow can leave villages without electricity. All of this has made 2024 a bleak year."

ECONOMY

Nova TV aired a segment featuring economic and financial analysts Shteryo Nozharov and Mihail Krastev, who reflected on Bulgaria's economic performance over the past year.

Nozharov highlighted the country's financial stability, noting that Bulgaria had achieved high incomes and reduced inflation. "The economy has stabilized. Joining the Schengen area by land reflects positively on many indicators," he said.

In contrast, Mihail Krastev highlighted significant challenges, noting the lack of both foreign and domestic investments. "While the economy is performing well, the political crisis and the management of public finances fail to instill confidence in economic partners regarding their development in Bulgaria," Krastev said. He also criticized the lack of incentives for small and medium-sized business development, describing it as a missed opportunity for economic growth.

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Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) presented an overview of developments in the country in 2024 and an outlook for 2025, highlighting challenges such as political instability, a delayed budget, and foreign policy uncertainties, alongside positive developments like reduced inflation and full Schengen membership.

The discussion emphasized the risks associated with the postponed adoption of Budget 2025, which could disrupt funding for essential services by January 19 if unresolved. Union leader Plamen Dimitrov warned, "Even the minimum wage is not guaranteed without funding, leading to complete chaos in the country." 

Adrian Nikolov, an expert from the Institute for Market Economics, said a severe financial crisis is unlikely, but noted dissatisfaction with fiscal policies as a driver of sectoral protests. Nikolov criticized measures such as increased pension taxes and attempts to target high-profit sectors like banking and mining, which he said would "generate significant discontent directed at the government." He also expressed concern about political instability and its impact on investments, noting, "2025 will be a year of survival and significant uncertainty for many businesses, rather than stable economic development."

On a positive note, inflation reduction has eased pressure on households and employers, while Bulgaria’s full admission into the Schengen area on January 1, 2025, offers substantial economic benefits. Nikolov projected that Schengen membership could bring BGN 1.5 billion in annual revenue, driven by increased imports, exports, and investment flows. He highlighted opportunities for revitalizing economically underdeveloped border regions, particularly along the Danube and in Blagoevgrad, which could benefit from cross-border work and integration with neighboring economic centers like Bucharest and Northern Greece.

"The removal of the border will provide opportunities for work in Northern Greece and integration with businesses," Nikolov said, adding that the success of these developments depends on local initiatives to seize opportunities. Schengen, he concluded, is "one of the few topics without a negative aspect" but noted concerns about Bulgaria’s ability to manage its new responsibilities as an external Schengen border.

Overall, the coverage projects 2025 will be a year of both economic potential and uncertainty, with the outcomes largely dependent on political and institutional stability.

SCIENCE

Trud and 24 Chasa report that the Bulgarian research vessel Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii (RSV 421) has reached Antarctica, docking off Livingston Island on November 28. The ship is supporting the Bulgarian Antarctic expedition for the third year, delivering supplies and equipment to the St. Kliment Ohridski Base and aiding in scientific projects.

Led by Captain Radko Muevski, the 34-member crew includes Naval Academy cadets and international scientists from the UAE, Montenegro, and Greece. Key tasks include installing seismic monitoring equipment on Snow Island and mapping underwater terrain near Smith Island. The mission set sail from Varna on November 7 and is planned to conclude in April.

RELIGION

24 Chasa and Trud report that Patriarch Daniil of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has reiterated that, according to church rules, only one Orthodox Church can exist within a single canonical territory. He affirmed that Eastern Orthodoxy in Bulgaria is exclusively represented by the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

Patriarch Daniil expressed his confusion and concern over the Supreme Court of Cassation's recent decision to register the Old Calendar Orthodox Church of Bulgaria (OCOCB) as a separate religious denomination. He emphasized that the term Orthodox is inherently tied to communion with other local Orthodox Churches, a condition the OCOCB does not meet. The decision, he argued, undermines longstanding theological and legal principles previously established in ecclesiastical and state discussions.

The controversy has also drawn political attention. 24 Chasa reports that GERB leader Boyko Borissov met with Patriarch Daniil to discuss the issue. In a Facebook post, Borissov reaffirmed the unity of the Orthodox Church and cited Article 10 of the Religions Act, which recognizes Eastern Orthodoxy as Bulgaria's traditional religion, represented solely by the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Both Borissov and Patriarch Daniil highlighted the unique role of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, which, by law, is inextricably bound with the One Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

This dispute stems from a decades-long conflict involving the Old Calendarists, a group that split from the Bulgarian Orthodox Church in 1968 over disagreements about adopting the New Julian calendar. After years of rejected registration attempts, the European Court of Human Rights ruled in 2023 that the state must ensure religious pluralism and neutrality. This ruling influenced the Supreme Court's recent decision, which concluded that the registration of the OCOCB would not infringe on the rights of the Bulgarian Patriarchate or its adherents.

The case has provoked strong reactions from political parties, with Vazrazhdane and the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP)-United Left Coalition defending the Bulgarian Orthodox Church’s exclusivity in representing Eastern Orthodoxy. While the Supreme Court acknowledged the historical and cultural significance of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, it also noted that the OCOCB represents a small, distinct group with no claims on the structure or assets of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

Trud quotes Metropolitan Gavriil of Lovech, who warned that the registration of the OCOCB, while identifying as Orthodox, is not canonical and risks misleading the faithful.

Priest Lachezar Lazarov emphasized the impossibility of two Bulgarian Orthodox local churches in the same territory, calling it a path to schism. He criticized the European Court of Human Rights for supporting division by ruling in favour of Bishop Photii of Triaditza, whose ordination he deemed uncanonical, performed by heretical and schismatic hierarchs. Lazarov added that Photii lacks authority as a canonical church leader.

ANIMAL HEALTH

bTV, BNR and BNT reported that livestock farmers plan to block the Karnobat-Shumen road near the village of Sigmen (Southeastern Bulgaria) on Monday in protest against the inaction of the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA). The protest follows the death of numerous sheep from a deadly disease at a large farm, with no culling measures taken despite a report of increased mortality submitted on December 2.

BFSA conducted tests but concluded the disease, likely Maedi-Visna, is not on the list of state-controlled diseases, meaning no compensation is available. Farmers reject these findings and accuse the agency of negligence.

"For more than 20 days, a contagious disease has been identified there, yet no actions have been taken. Animals are dying every day, and it is inhumane to watch them die while the agency [BFSA] is not doing its job," said Atanas Mavrodiev, chair of the Bulgarian Brothers Association.

SOCIETY

24 Chasa publishes the position of writer and demographer Georgi Bardarov, who highlights a notable demographic shift in Bulgaria. According to Bardarov, 2023 marked significant mechanical growth in population, reversing decades of decline. If this trend is proven to have continued into 2024, it could signal a turning point, effectively restarting Bulgaria's demographic process.

Bardarov notes an increasing trend of young, skilled individuals returning to smaller towns and villages, attracted by the peaceful lifestyle. He attributes this reverse migration to a shift in attitudes among Bulgarians, who are placing more value on living and working in their home country despite political challenges. However, he underscores the need to improve road and social infrastructure to support this resurgence in smaller communities.

He also disputes the idea that Bulgaria has a low birth rate, labeling it a myth. Bardarov notes that Bulgaria's fertility rate of 1.8 ranks it third in Europe, similar to other developed countries. He views these demographic changes as part of a global trend, where only a few countries have birth rates above 3. This shift, along with a slower population decline in recent years, indicates a significant change in Bulgaria's demographic path.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Nova TV aired an interview with climate and energy expert Georgi Stefanov, who reflected on the unprecedented climate challenges of 2024. Stefanov said that the year was the hottest on record, with global temperatures exceeding the 1.5-degree threshold set by the Paris Agreement for the first time. "It is deeply concerning that we exceeded this target, which was meant for 2050. This shows that the world is not ready to adapt as quickly as climate change is occurring," Stefanov said.

He highlighted ongoing disparities between rich and poor nations over climate funding, noting that during a UN meeting in November, global adaptation funds were increased from USD 100 billion annually to USD 300 billion. "This is an acknowledgment of a global problem and that existing funds are insufficient," he said, stressing the need for more ambitious emission reduction targets.

Stefanov warned that Bulgaria is particularly vulnerable to climate extremes, facing both prolonged droughts and heavy rainfall. "We are not prepared to face these extremes," he concluded.