site.btaMedia Review: February 21

POLITICS

Trud, 24 Chasa, Dnevnik and Mediapool.bg cover comments by GERB leader Boyko Borissov on the government's goal to adopt the euro by January 1 and GERB's relationship to its coalition partners.

“I will be accommodating until January 1 because of the eurozone, but that ends after,” Borissov says. He insists that the cabinet serve its full term to calm down the State, the coalition partners and the people, noting, “After January 1 GERB will stand its ground and will not make any more compromises.”

Borissov refers to the Swiss rule for pensions, [according to which pensions are adjusted annually by 50% of the previous year's inflation and 50% of the growth of the average contributory income], saying that meeting the demand of the newly elected BSP leader and Minister in the Zhelyazkov Government Atanas Zafirov could raise the debt from BGN 17 billion to BGN 18-19 billion. "Whether funds from projects will be reduced or additional debt will be incurred is a separate issue," Borissov said.

The coverage also highlights Borissov’s stance on pension increases beyond the initial 5%, pointing out that an 8.6% rise is now agreed. Referring to BSP – United Left newly elected Chair Atanas Zafirov, who is also a Deputy Prime Minister, Borissov said: "Since one party has a new Chair who insists on strictly following the Swiss rule, we agreed to comply".

The coverage mentions that although Borissov has previously advocated for a more conservative budget, GERB still proposes a 50% increase in salaries within the Ministry of Interior.

The coverage also focuses on the tension around the pensions debate in the governing coalition, as well as Borissov’s clarification that Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova is not “his” minister. “The only way the Finance Minister can be 'mine' is if I am Prime Minister. Now we are just the mandate holder,” Borissov said.

Borissov also accuses Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) of pushing the country to the edge of financial collapse and claims they are against the country's entry into the eurozone.

Discussions on filling the regulatory bodies causing divisions among coalition partners is also part of the coverage. Borissov says he does not know the GERB candidate for the Commission for Energy and Water Regulation Plamen Mladenovski, explaining that the nomination came from GERB's Delian Dobrev.

Mladenovski participated in the previous race for the head of the regulator in 2020. The position was secured by Stanislav Todorov from Continue the Change (CC), but his election was later deemed unlawful by the Constitutional Court, resulting in the reinstatement of former chairman Ivan Ivanov. At that time, Mladenovski's candidacy was unexpectedly withdrawn.

Borissov does not address whether Mladenovski's candidacy was withdrawn due to his refusal to engage in discussions with MRF-New Beginning Leader Delyan Peevski, who faced significant corruption sanctions from the United Kingdom and the United States.

Borissov says GERB has a candidate for ombudsman but will not reveal a name. He recalls that several weeks earlier he said, "Maya Manolova has not been a suitable choice for quite some time." Asked whether regulator appointments will happen before the State budget is approved, Borissov says, "A month ago, everyone talked about not caring about positions or appointments. They were focused on breaking free from the election cycle and trying to soften the country's fall."

Dnevnik adds that Borissov insists in early February for the budget to be voted on first and then for State appointments to follow.

He remarks that CC-DB did not discuss with him any proposals for regulatory heads, saying, "I won't comment on what has yet to be discussed, but judging by Peevski's statements, he's not someone who talks nonsense, especially since he's preparing to govern. Considering that Assen Vassilev and Dancho Tsonev, who were at odds like tomcats in March, are now always together, this forms the new bloc. I see this as a coordinated effort against the government," Borissov says.

Delyan Peevski, leader of MRF-New Beginning, also featured in Trud’s coverage, saying there is no urgency to appoint new regulators because "when [MRF-]New Beginning takes power, it will replace them immediately," Peevski said.

Meanwhile, CC-DB Co-chair Kiril Petkov reacts to Borissov’s remarks by saying, “I found out that the finance minister is not part of GERB, which surprised me,” while CC-DB Co-chair Atanas Atanassov notes, “After Borissov distanced himself from his own government and ministers, we see him joining the opposition.”

***

Trud and Mediapool.bg reported that MRF-New Beginning Leader Delyan Peevski criticizes Parliament for neglecting citizens and claims that "The topic of food was dismissed. No one here is concerned with people, food, or electricity," Peevski stated. He once more rejected any proposals from Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB), referring to them as "poodles and clowns," and added, "They fear me because I represent their downfall."

Peevski, who is under sanctions from the Magnitsky Act, states his intention to take charge once Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov’s cabinet collapses. He remarked, “I will replace those people [in the regulatory bodies], and I advise them not to accept nominations, because they will be removed by me and my majority.”

He claims that the return of the Swiss rule for pension increases was due to his personal influence: “We are responsible for all the good things that happen. It was us who reinstated pensions for pensioners.” Meanwhile, CC-DB Co-chair Kiril Petkov argues that swift action from his coalition was crucial in increasing pensions by nearly 9%.

Peevski says he supports “everything reasonable” in the budget, including entering the eurozone, but will not back any initiative from CC-DB, calling them "Soros supporters, opportunists, and grant recipients." He denies being part of the governing “patchwork coalition.”

***

24 Chasa writes that GERB-UDF Deputy Floor Leader Denitsa Sacheva says her party is under constant pressure from coalition partners regarding appointments. “GERB does not carry the entire responsibility while others try to watch from the sidelines.” Sacheva clarifies that the mandate belongs to GERB, “but the responsibility lies with all parties that agreed to participate in the joint governance.” She notes that both successes and failures will be shared among the coalition members.

Asked about Borissov’s comment that GERB will make compromises until January 1, Sacheva says that this is a warning to everyone who tries to achieve their goals through GERB. “All try to abuse, we try not to allow it,” she says. She also comments on pension policies, saying that they jointly decide on the Swiss rule and that “there is no compromise here.”

***

Trud writes that Raya Nazaryan from GERB-UDF accuses CC-DB, MRF-New Beginning, and Vazrazhdane of sabotaging the procedure for selecting new members of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC). The parliamentary session is cut short due to a lack of quorum. “They did everything possible to break quorum and disrupt the session,” Nazaryan says, pointing out that “those who talk the most about judicial reform” prevent the process of choosing new members who could move forward with selecting a new Prosecutor General.

24 Chasa adds that GERB claims CC-DB appears to support the current SJC, since the latter refuses to join talks on replenishing the council’s membership. “Henceforth, whenever CC-DB says anything about the SJC, remind them of this day, because they have shown they are fine with these members,” Nazaryan says. The publication notes that 160 votes are needed for these appointments, while the governing majority has only 126.

CC-DB’s Atanas Atanassov responds that “the majority is responsible for ensuring quorum,” emphasizing that “support must be sought, not simply served up.”

***

24 Chasa writes that CC-DB Co-chair Kiril Petkov rejects GERB leader Boyko Borissov’s allegations that CC-DB sabotages Bulgaria’s entry into the eurozone, saying, “The eurozone is a national goal. It is a super-goal for us in Continue the Change and for our coalition, so we are not sabotaging it, we are helping achieve it.” Petkov refers to the recent disagreement over the budget, explaining that CC-DB criticizes the 50% raise in the Ministry of Interior while pensions see only a smaller increase. This criticism prompts a quick response: “Two million pensioners will receive almost 9% instead of five. I think GERB and their finance minister corrected a major mistake.” Petkov notes that “the national goal of the eurozone is above party politics,” adding that CC-DB is even ready to assist the cabinet in making budget amendments so that “Europe can accept it.”

***

Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) reported that CC-DB and GERB exchange accusations over whether all proposed appointees to the new regulatory bodies are linked to MRF-New Beginning Leader Delyan Peevski. On the sidelines of Parliament, CC-DB Co-chair Kiril Petkov cited examples of Peevski’s influence through other parties. GERB leader Boyko Borissov promptly denied the claims and warned that the regulator selection process could be jeopardized.

***

Capital reviews the newly unveiled 90-page governing programme, noting that it mainly focuses on completing ongoing projects in energy, defence, and infrastructure, rather than introducing major policy changes. The article mentions the coalition’s goal to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP and modernize the military by upgrading Graf Ignatievo Air Base, acquiring new combat vehicles, and adding more naval assets. Although Bulgaria’s Euro-Atlantic path is reaffirmed, Capital points out that assisting Ukraine is not a top defence priority for the government.

In energy, the outlet notes a continued reliance on conventional sources. The plan includes expanding nuclear capacity at Kozloduy, upgrading gas storage facilities in Chiren, and restoring key hydro facilities, but it lacks a clear plan for decarbonization or transitioning away from coal. Capital observes that there are no major new energy initiatives, with the government focusing on previously started projects.

Capital highlights that judicial reform proposals, such as adopting personal bankruptcy rules and addressing SLAPP lawsuits, reappear from earlier discussions. However, there is no clear plan for tackling systemic corruption or problematic influences within the judiciary. Regarding infrastructure, the programme reiterates plans to complete roads like Hemus, the Ruse-Biala route, and Struma in the Kresna gorge, but Capital notes the lack of a coherent strategy for road maintenance and accident prevention.

In healthcare, the focus is on building or upgrading facilities, including a National Children’s Hospital, 300 outpatient facilities in remote areas, and new sites for psychiatric care, yet the article points out that few details address underlying issues such as staff shortages or medicine pricing. According to Capital, while the programme reiterates significant goals (like eurozone entry and a return to “prudent fiscal management”), it offers little that is entirely new or reformist and does not thoroughly explain how these targets will be achieved.

***

Capital reports that the coalition plans to appoint Vasil Golemanski, long-standing executive director of the Bulgarian Stock Exchange and the Central Depository, as the new chair of the Financial Supervision Commission (FSC). The article notes that Golemanski is well-regarded in the investment community and has significant experience in the non-banking financial sector. With no other candidates in sight, Capital suggests he is likely to be appointed without opposition.

The current head of FSC, Boyko Atanasov, has been serving on an expired mandate since 2019. Capital explains that Atanasov initially joined the commission as the deputy chair for Investment Supervision and later moved to the top position after Karina Karaivanova resigned.

According to the procedure, the newly elected Chair must appoint three deputy chairs within a week. These positions hold significant regulatory authority over insurance, investment, and social security supervision. Two deputy positions are currently vacant following the recent departures of Maria Filipova and Vladimir Savov. The article suggests that GERB’s Diana Yordanova, whose term has also expired, might remain but could shift to oversee insurance.

Regarding the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB), Capital mentions there are no major changes: Governor Dimitar Radev has been reconfirmed for a new six-year term, and Deputy Governor Radoslav Milenkov, who is responsible for banking supervision, is expected to be reappointed soon.

***

bTV, Bulgarian National Television (BNT) and Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) reported that the Declaration on Ukraine was introduced for discussion by MPs in the National Assembly. It was listed as the first item on the agenda and guarantees that Bulgaria will not send troops to Ukraine under any circumstances, including any future peacekeeping mission after the end of the conflict. The governing coalition pointed out that the goal was to end speculation and reassure the public that Bulgarian soldiers would not be deployed in Ukraine.

The three broadcasters also covered the creation of a temporary commission to address road safety issues, noting that the “war on the roads” has claimed numerous lives and urgent measures are necessary. Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov and nine other ministers were scheduled to answer questions, with Zhelyazkov focusing on water provision to neighbouring countries.

***

Nova TV reported that the National Revenue Agency conducted inspections at major wholesale markets and shops across the country as part of the government's effort to streamline supply chains and prevent unfair practices. Inspectors requested documentation on the origin of goods and tracked price formation from producers or importers to in-store prices. "We are checking whether all recorded sales comply with regulations and tracing how prices are set. Our aim is to cover as many locations as possible to ensure compliance with the law," said Filipina Todorova, head of the Fiscal Control Directorate. bTV also noted that protests over high food prices led to proposals to limit mark-ups to 10% on essential goods, although economists point out that a similar measure on bread in the past did not achieve the intended price stabilization.

ECONOMY

Trud reports on statements by Minister of Innovations Tomislav Donchev, who says: “Bulgaria has been on a path of increasing debt over the past four years,” and warns, “This trend must be halted. Bulgaria cannot continue to systematically increase its debt.” He emphasizes that the government aims to focus on sectors that drive economic growth and to “spend only what we earn.” Donchev highlights education as a priority, along with facilitating the return of Bulgarians from abroad, due to “a severe workforce shortage in the economy.”

He also discusses the use of European funds under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, noting that “all reforms that can gain parliamentary support must be adopted in the coming weeks.” He describes Europe as being in “a factual impossibility to provide twice as much aid to Kyiv.” Donchev asserts that “Bulgaria continues to pursue a pro-European policy” and must meet its existing commitments. He describes the ruling coalition as “complex and difficult,” noting that “all parties share responsibility,” and calls for “maximum consensus in parliament” when selecting regulatory bodies.

***

Duma writes that Minister of Labour and Social Policy Borislav Gutsanov says, “The most logical solution for pensions is to avoid disadvantaging the most vulnerable,” referring to the decision for an 8.6% increase from July 1, 2025, as outlined by the Swiss rule. Gutsanov thanks the governing parties for their dialogue and compromises, noting, “I fulfil the commitment I made as minister—to not cut any social benefits, and this happens without raising any taxes.” He confirms that Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova assures the necessary BGN 417 million will be found to fund the pensions’ indexation.

Duma points out that Gutsanov denies any major upheaval in the ruling majority, explaining, “We are fully aware from the start that these are three parties with different views, and similar situations will happen often. The important thing is to have dialogue.” He says this situation allows the Bulgarian Socialist Party – United Left to stand by its position while also receiving understanding from the other parties.

***

Dnevnik writes that Tony Dimov from the Center for Regulatory Impact Assessment says, “Only 20% of the bills meet quality standards and are introduced by the Council of Ministers, while the other 80% fall into the so-called ‘grey area’ of legislation.” Dimov notes that this data come from recent studies by the National Centre for Parliamentary Studies at the National Assembly.

***

Capital examines the 2025 budget proposed by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov’s cabinet, observing that it closely mirrors the caretaker government’s problematic plan. The draft sets a 3% deficit, targeted to match eurozone criteria, yet relies on substantial spending growth paired with vague revenue forecasts. While the budget excludes previous “exotic” measures like a tax amnesty and ores and minerals tax, it retains an ambitious target for a 33% rise in VAT receipts without presenting a clear strategy for achieving it.

The publication highlights the reversed decision on pension indexation: after initially proposing a 5% increase, GERB leader Boyko Borissov quickly rejects any reduction from the standard Swiss rule, effectively necessitating an additional BGN 500 million in the budget. Meanwhile, the draft continues to elevate pay in defence and security by BGN 2.1 billion, reflecting a general pattern of ballooning costs. Capital points out that while there is talk of curbing public-sector salaries to a 5% rise (instead of 10%), the proposed spending totals soar to a record BGN 97 billion.

To fund these outlays, the government plans to gradually raise the maximum insurance threshold and implement two social security contribution hikes (1% in 2027 and additional 2% in 2028). Borrowing is set to grow accordingly, moving public debt from 27.7% of GDP toward 35.2% by 2028. The government said they "wanted to stabilize public finances, but never really meant it," Capital remarks, suggesting that despite formal compliance with deficit limits, the budget steers clear of meaningful reforms. The article concludes that responsibility for the sustainability of public finances now firmly rests with the ruling parties, which appear disinclined to rein in spending.

***

Telegraph interviews economist Ralitsa Simeonova-Ganeva, who says, “We are witnessing the highest levels of real household incomes and of the purchasing power of the average salary and pension.” She notes that nominal wages in Bulgaria rise by “5,210,000% since 1948,” but cautions that this figure causes confusion because of multiple monetary reforms. Ganeva explains, “We surpass the incomes and purchasing power of the late socialist period,” adding that “the illusion of high real incomes in the 1980s was maintained through debt and artificially low prices.” She remarks that, since 2003, “the rise in real wages has a solid economic foundation,” thanks to market reforms and greater productivity. According to her, “most goods and services are much more affordable” today, though certain items, such as cigarettes, see lower purchasing power due to tax policies.

***

Bulgarian National Television (BNT) reported that Agriculture Minister Georgi Tahov said farmers are the most disadvantaged segment of the agri-food chain, stressing, “We want to regulate exactly that.”

He explained that recent large-scale inspections in shops are “nothing surprising” because they are aimed at identifying both fair and unfair practices across the entire retail network, not just major chains.

Tahov emphasized that “the Agriculture Ministry should not be dragged in as an arbiter in consumer relations” and points out that retailers capture most of the value added in the supply chain, leaving farmers with weak negotiating positions.

According to Tahov, a new law would give farmers stronger leverage, while “if we do not take adequate legal measures to protect producers, we risk ending up with monopolies and cartel relationships.” He added that the Ministry requests BGN 1.5 billion over four years to restore irrigation systems, which could expand irrigated land by over 250,000 hectares.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Trud and Telegraph write that the Interior Ministry has uncovered a large-scale scheme to divert funds from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). This involves fake medical examinations and treatments reported by a medical center with branches in Lovech and Lukovit. Newspapers report that the fraud amounts to over BGN 880,000, with BGN 171,000 in 2023 and BGN 711,000 in 2024. A pre-trial proceeding has been initiated by the District Prosecutor’s Office in Lovech. Investigators have seized documents containing false data for about 1,400 patients, mostly from Northwestern Bulgaria, who never visited either branch. Despite this, the activities were reported and paid for by the NHIF. Mobile app messages reportedly show payments made to medical personnel involved in the scheme.

***

Telegraph and Dnevnik report that Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov has ordered an immediate inspection at Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) after a complaint was filed with the Prosecutor’s Office and the State Agency for National Security regarding suspected misconduct and financial irregularities. Experts from the Energy Ministry, along with representatives from the Bulgarian Energy Holding, are conducting an on-site inspection at KNPP.

***

Capital reports that the legal academic community is strongly opposing an attempt by the majority in the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) to control judicial appointments by excluding prominent scholars from selection committees. Four respected lecturers: Polya Goleva, Angel Kalaidjiev, Maria Kyoseva, and Tania Bouzeva, are removed from a panel under the pretext that they teach commercial law instead of civil law. Meanwhile, SJC suspends a competition for commercial judges, claiming Petrov teaches civil law, not commercial law. “Is this a misunderstanding of the law, or a deliberate effort to sideline respected educators who remain independent and resist influence?” Doncheva questioned.

Capital further reports that lecturers and students from Sofia University’s Law Faculty declare, “Members of the SJC are not welcome in our auditoriums,” criticizing these actions as a strategy to manipulate competitions. The newspaper also notes that the SJC’s budget has increased by more than 50%, yet judicial reform is still lacking.

HEALTHCARE

24 Chasa reports on a Financial Times article about the rising number of British students in Bulgarian medical universities, fueled by limited spots in the UK. Over 2,500 Britons study in Plovdiv, Varna, and Sofia, with 435 UK citizens receiving Bulgarian medical diplomas in 2023 alone. Despite initial cultural and language barriers, these students gain UK-recognized qualifications. One dental student notes improvement in support for newcomers, while another highlights gratitude for the chance to pursue her dream in Bulgaria. Tuition fees stand at EUR 9,000 per year and living expenses at EUR 17,000, with instruction entirely in English and a modern simulation centre that can mimic real medical scenarios.

***

Trud and Telegraph say that children start vaping as early as age 6, attracted by the flavours of electronic devices. Specialists from the Medical University in Plovdiv conduct an online survey that shows 3% of 9-year-olds have tried vapes, while 22% of children between 13 and 15 smoke them and over 30% of 16-18-year-olds do not leave home without a device. “They are made to tempt children. They have various flavours and aromas,” Plamena Stoimenova from the Department of Pathophysiology at the Plovdiv Medical University says. She adds, “Their friends smoke all sorts of things... vapes, marijuana, ordinary cigarettes.” The coverage notes that social media influencer, and easily accessible products make children even more prone to vaping.

Trud and Telegraph also mention a warning from Margarita Gesheva, Head of the Toxicology Clinic at Pirogov University Hospital, who describes vapes with synthetic cannabinoids as "among the most harmful groups of psychoactive substances." She notes that teenagers aged 13-17 are admitted with severe reactions after using vapes, explaining, "Sometimes, the patient does not know who they are, where they are, or what they are doing. They are not in a normal state, and there are panic symptoms; it could even lead to death." Gesheva points out that these substances are often mixed with other impurities and can vary greatly in concentration.