site.btaMedia Review: March 21

POLITICS

Trud reports that GERB leader Boyko Borissov dismissed statements by Democratic Bulgaria (DB) and added that the budget gap still exists, regardless. Borissov highlights achieving Schengen access under the Glavchev cabinet and Eurozone membership under Zhelyazkov’s, “with or without DB,” and warns it would embarrass Continue the Change (CC) and DB if accession happens with the support of MRF-New Beginning Leader Delyan Peevski. Borissov welcomed Peevski’s backing for major national goals and noted that if the Movement for Rights and Freedoms – Democracy, Rights and Freedoms (MRF–DRF), led by Ahmed Dogan, withdraws from the coalition, snap elections might be considered. However, he expresses hope that they would remain, as Eurozone entry is “extremely important.”

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24 Chasa reports that Prime Minister Rossen Zhelyazkov speaks with coalition partners and receives “full guarantees” for budget approval and government policies. GERB-UDF, Bulgarian Socialist Party – United Left (BSP – United Left), There Is Such a People (TISP) and MRF–DRF fill key posts by electing Orlin Kolev to the Constitutional Court (127 votes) and Petko Stefanovski to lead the health insurance fund (147 votes).

GERB leader Boyko Borissov worries about the slim 120-MP majority but insists Zhelyazkov manage support. MP Zhelyazkov expects most parties, except Vazrazhdane and MECh [Morality, Unity, Honour], to back euro adoption. Borissov criticises DB for not joining the cabinet and emphasises MRF–DRF’s key role, assuring that Peevski will not enter the government but warning that unity is vital to avoid snap elections.

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Telegraph reports that MPs adopt an innovative approach to the second reading of the budget bill. Instead of voting article by article, they hear the entire text in a marathon session, followed by an open-ended debate. This sparks a dispute among GERB-UDF, Continue the Change (CC) and other groups about whether the procedure complies with the parliamentary rulebook. Some MPs criticise the late-hour deliberations, arguing that the public should see how the legislature allocates public funds.

In the meantime, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov assures that the budget has the needed support thanks to an agreement with coalition partners, including MRF-DRF. Tensions arise over proposals such as shifting some funds from theatre and film to archaeology or from the Constitutional Court to children’s hospitals. Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov stresses the importance of transparency, while Toshko Yordanov of TISP remarks that the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB)’s demands for wage increases are largely unworkable given the limited resources.

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Trud reports that Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova addressed the National Assembly, saying "We have only been in this administration for two months, so we couldn't have incurred BGN 18 billion in expenses." She advocates for honesty and says: “This is the result of the last four years.” Petkova addresses Parliament as MPs debate the second reading of this year’s State financial plan. She highlights that social and healthcare payments alone will increase by BGN 5.591 billion in 2025 compared to 2024, due to policy changes from previous years. She also mentions that operating costs will rise by nearly BGN 2 billion, resulting from unresolved obligations in ministries like regional development and transport.

Petkova clarifies that planned debt within the limit set by the State budget law can be used for capital injections in energy, defence, security, agriculture, economic development and education, saying: “These are areas that need support to invest and profit.” She explains that, from January 1, 2027, contributions rise by 1%, and from January 1, 2028, by 2%, aiming for predictability. For 2025, pensions cost BGN 24 billion, BGN 12 billion of which come from State budget transfers.

Petkova defends the proposed reduction of the VAT registration threshold from BGN 166,000 to BGN 100,000, suggesting it will improve VAT collection. MP Martin Dimitrov disagrees, warning it will burden small businesses. He also criticises planned spending hikes and a total debt increase of nearly BGN 19 billion. MRF-DRF MP Myumyun Myumyun expresses concerns about lowering the VAT threshold. "Such abrupt moves unsettle prospective entrepreneurs," Myumyun said.

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24 Chasa reports that Democratic Bulgaria (DB) claims no budget has been “so leftist and so problematic since 1997,” adding that the consequences will be long-lasting. “We only support the right-leaning measures and those that bring revenue without burdening businesses,” says DB MP Bozhidar Bozhanov. DB also intends to back all proposals related to Bulgaria joining the Eurozone.

MP Martin Dimitrov notes that “if not for us, there would be no Eurozone,” claiming GERB leader Boyko Borissov would have abandoned it over an alleged BGN 18 billion deficit. "They are aligning with BSP – United Left and [MRF – New Beginning leader] Peevski, which is steering them towards a risky leftist path," he remarks. Meanwhile, Yordan Ivanov highlights DB’s proposal for a 15% cut in the administration and more transparent, centralised hiring to avoid partisan appointments, which he says the ruling majority rejects.

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Bulgarian National Television (BNT), Bulgarian National Radio (BNR), bTV and Nova TV reported that the National Assembly passed the 2025 State Budget during an overnight session lasting over 21 hours. Debates continued for 12 hours, and voting itself lasted more than three hours. A total of 138 MPs voted in favour, 78 voted against, and two abstained. The approved text sets the deficit at 3% of GDP without raising taxes.

The proposal by Vazrazhdane for a 9% VAT rate for restaurants was rejected, while Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF)-New Beginning's request for a state-owned grocery enterprise was supported. The budget framework remained unchanged at a 3% deficit. Lawmakers set a deficit of BGN 7.132 billion, with Bulgaria’s contribution to the EU budget at BGN 2.021 billion. Public debt is projected to reach BGN 61.7 billion (26.6% of GDP), and borrowing may go up to BGN 18.9 billion in 2025.

MPs also decided to lower the VAT registration threshold from BGN 166,000 to BGN 100,000. Debates began Thursday evening, with the opposition questioning why salaries in the Ministry of Interior and the security sector were increasing. After lengthy disputes among MPs and various ministers, the final vote ended in the early morning.

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Dnevnik reprints a Deutsche Welle comment about Bulgaria re-debating the Election Code after a partial annulment of the 2024 vote exposes missing ballots and other irregularities. Parliament’s technical fixes—extra “zip ties” or sturdier containers—face criticism for ignoring deeper problems, such as networks of political influence and limited prosecution efforts. A European rights report ranks Bulgaria among the EU’s top five in eroding the rule of law, fuelling public distrust in the electoral process.

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24 Chasa and Telegraph report that for a second day, there is effectively no MECh [Morality, Unity, Honour] parliamentary group after Samuil Slavov’s resignation is accepted with 202 votes, leaving only nine MP—one below the required 10-member minimum. Under parliamentary rules, the group ceases to exist and its members become independents without the right to form or join another group. Nonetheless, National Assembly Chair Nataliya Kiselova does not announce this dissolution from the rostrum and continues to grant MECh floor time.

The vacancy arises as Ilian Iliev declines to enter Parliament and Ivan Ivanov, next in line, has not yet been sworn in. Meanwhile, Slavov steps down following a BIRD investigation revealing past convictions in the US for alleged involvement in ATM skimming. Initially, he denies it, then admits only to handing over the skimming device. His return to Bulgaria reportedly is caused by employment restrictions he faces in the US after his sentencing.

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Bulgarian National Television (BNT), Bulgarian National Radio (BNR), Nova TV and bTV reported Friday morning that the parliamentary group of party MECh ceased to exist after the National Assembly voted on the budget at its second reading. National Assembly Chair Natalia Kiselova announced the group’s dissolution once the seat of Samuil Slavov ended on March 19, reducing MECh’s MPs to nine—below the minimum of ten required to form a parliamentary group.

Under the parliamentary rules adopted on March 19, the remaining MECh members became independents, barred from creating a new group or joining another. MECh leader Radostin Vasilev was removed early from his position as Deputy Chair of the National Assembly, and all committee memberships held by the party’s MPs were terminated.

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bTV reported that MECh leader Radostin Vasilev accused National Assembly Chair Nataliya Kiselova of acting “illegally” by declaring the party’s parliamentary group dissolved. Vasilev insisted the group was not actually broken up, alleging that Kiselova had prevented two of its potential MPs from being sworn in. He claimed her decision had “no legal basis” and served the interests of “mafia-linked politicians.”

Vasilev announced plans to file a complaint to the prosecution service under Article 282 of the Penal Code and threatened civil disobedience, saying “Now you will see the Serbian scenario unfolding in Bulgaria". He also called for Kiselova’s immediate resignation and stated that MECh would organize strikes starting Wednesday. According to Vasilev, MECh intended to block parliamentary sessions until what he termed an “unlawful” decision was reversed.

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bTV reported that a Trend poll, conducted between March 10 and 16, 2025 among 1,020 adults, showed a decrease in public trust in the Zhelyazkov cabinet. Positive assessments dropped from 29% to 27%, while negative evaluations rose from 44% in February to 50% in March. Approval for the National Assembly remained at 15%, with a slight increase in disapproval, from 75% to 78%.

Despite this dissatisfaction, nearly half of respondents (46%) preferred for the government to continue rather than hold new elections (supported by 30%). The poll also found that 55% did not believe the government would serve its full term. In voting intentions, GERB held the top spot at 26.7%, followed by PP-DB at 13.6% and Vazrazhdane at 12.5%. MRF-New Beginning polled 10.9%, while BSP–United Left (6.9%) and MRF-DRF (6.7%) remained close. There Is Such a People (TISP) (5.9%) and MECh (5.7%) also cleared the threshold, while Velichie hovered around 3.9%.

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bTV featured journalist Veselin Stoynev and political scientist Rumyana Kolarova on a morning programme discussing the newly passed budget. Stoynev argued that it would not have been approved “without the crucial support of MRF – New Beginning,” effectively forming a new “3+1+1” parliamentary majority. He described the government as fragile and heavily reliant on Delyan Peevski, which he said could pose difficulties for Boyko Borissov. Stoynev also noted that moving the deadline for reviewing the government’s term forward by six months signalled uncertainty and a need for tactical flexibility.

Kolarova observed that Peevski’s involvement has been a persistent dilemma for BSP – United Left and There Is Such a People (TISP), as both parties must now choose between support from Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (CC–DB) or from MRF – New Beginning. She added that Ahmed Dogan’s MRF–DRF either has to let Peevski operate freely or try to contain him, expressing doubts about his suitability as a long-term political ally.

ECONOMY

Duma and Mediapool.bg report that the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB) stages a protest outside the National Assembly. The action, taking place under the motto “We want a visible increase in salaries with Budget 2025,” demands higher wages in underfunded sectors with growing pay disparities. CITUB insists on an additional BGN 250 million in the budget, enabling salary raises for employees in the National Social Security Institute, the Social Assistance Agency, the Employment Agency, the National Revenue Agency, the Nuclear Regulatory Agency, the National Health Insurance Fund, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Environment and Water, the Bulgarian State Railways, and others. The union also highlights the need for wage growth in the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR), the Bulgarian National Television (BNT), the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), school and paediatric healthcare, and public transport.

CITUB remarks that, according to the draft budget, these sectors see no noticeable pay rise. In response, the confederation pledges to hand out magnifying glasses to MPs before the second reading of the fiscal framework in the plenary hall, underscoring the “invisible” nature of the planned salary increases.

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Mediapool.bg reports that rumours of a 215-metre skyscraper project near Paradise Mall spark fresh tension within Sofia’s ruling coalition. Questions arise after claims that the interim chief architect, Stefan Asparuhov, may have approved the high-rise without public notice. The project is nearly complete, with only a construction permit remaining. Critics, led by Spasi Sofia’s Boris Bonev, accuse the city administration of silently pushing it forward, deeming such a giant structure in an already crowded area unacceptable.

Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev confirms that final procedures await only a transport plan, but stresses that no new steps have been taken in recent weeks. He blames earlier zoning decisions from 10–15 years ago for green-lighting potentially problematic urban developments. Spasi Sofia and Democratic Bulgaria threaten protests if the municipality fails to block what they call a “monster building.” They argue that height restrictions and public interest have been sidelined in favour of investor gains.

DBs Dimitar Bozhilov, district mayor of Triaditsa, notes that official records show no final permit so far. He emphasises that previous administrative acts, passed years ago, survived judicial review. Bozhilov calls for an expert dialogue on whether such projects truly benefit Sofia residents or merely overload congested city quarters.

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Dnevnik reports that Bulgaria begins advertising on National Geographic and 24 Kitchen on March 20 and will continue throughout April. The Ministry of Tourism promotes Bulgaria as a destination for congress, culinary and wine tourism via 2,430 televised spots on nine strategic European markets. The ads air on National Geographic channels in the UK, France, Poland, Germany and Spain, as well as on 24 Kitchen in the Netherlands, Serbia, Slovenia and Croatia. Two 30-second commercials are created for the campaign, with over half of them shown during prime time.

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Capital reports on the way Bulgarian banks begin to perceive neobanks like Revolut as a significant competitive threat, prompting them to close the digital gap. Revolut, declaring over 1 million users in Bulgaria by late 2024, ranks as a “strategic risk” for local banking giants. Its appeal stems from user-friendly, often fee-free services, broad functionality (including instant peer-to-peer transfers, investing in equities and crypto), and the convenience of purely online account opening.

Though Revolut already holds a Lithuanian banking licence, most Bulgarians still treat it as a secondary account for everyday payments rather than for mortgages or significant deposits. Nonetheless, Revolut’s rising influence is spurring local banks to adopt new strategies. One is improving their own digital offerings – from faster, more user-friendly mobile apps to integrated services like stock trading. Another is participating in blink P2P, a system enabling free, immediate money transfers by phone number, reducing one of Revolut’s biggest advantages.

Despite Revolut’s claim of over 1 million Bulgarian customers, bank executives estimate that active users are far fewer. Yet with the neobank’s global user base surpassing 50 million and major expansion plans in credit and lending products, local financial institutions anticipate intensified competition. Some respond by improving user experience, offering subscription-style packages, or possibly raising fees for ATM usage by non-local cards.

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Capital writes that the proposed Bill on the Food Supply Chain, which includes measures like profit guarantees for producers, price ceilings and mandatory local goods assortments, will likely fail to yield long-term benefits. Such constraints often lead to shortages or price spikes elsewhere. The publication suggests that real solutions lie in more direct market access for producers (e.g. farmer markets) and greater cooperation among small and medium-sized farmers, who otherwise struggle to meet larger retailers’ needs and negotiate effectively. A new law on cooperatives may help, but producers also need to view collective action as an opportunity rather than a burden from the past.

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Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) reported that the idea of opening grocery stores in post offices received mixed reactions in the villages around Yambol. Residents of Lozenets, Vodenichane, and Botevo typically purchase only bread locally and travel to Yambol for other necessities. Some people see this proposal as a way to improve access to groceries, while others are sceptical about who would manage the stores, given the low population density in these areas.

Postal workers expressed discomfort, stating they couldn't envision "handling money and slicing cheese" in addition to their regular tasks. Shop owners worried that this change might lead to unwanted competition. Vodenichane’s mayor deemed it impractical without additional space, while Straldzha’s deputy mayor argued that funds should be used to increase people's incomes instead.

BALKANS

Bulgarian National Television (BNT) reported that clashes erupted in Istanbul after the arrest of mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. Police used tear gas and water cannons against protesters, while President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the opposition of “theatrics.”

SOCIETY

All dailies report that Marin Marinov is the Bulgarian citizen killed in the Gaza Strip, according to a post on social media platform X by the head of the government media office in Gaza. Five others are injured, with two in critical condition. The United Nations says a foreign national is killed and five are injured in a strike on its compound in Deir al-Balah. Jorge Moreira da Silva, director of the UN project services office, says he’s shocked and devastated. Israel denies any role in the incident. Israel's Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, expressed his condolences over the phone to Foreign Minister Georgi Georgiev, and said that the issue is currently being investigated.

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Capital highlights that the Bulgarian History Association tries to rent billboard space in Sofia for an anti-gambling campaign, only to be refused by advertising agencies, often without clear explanation. The group wants to counter ubiquitous gambling ads, but the refusals unexpectedly draw widespread attention on social media.

Although the ads never appear on the city’s boulevards, thousands share the concept online, generating significant debate. Restrictions on gambling ads apply mostly to TV and radio; experts say this pushes operators to flood outdoor and online spaces. The strong reaction to the campaign’s rejection illustrates how missing ads can sometimes spark a bigger conversation than if they had been displayed.

CRIME

24 Chasa and Telegraph report that foreign intelligence services detect financial transactions to businessman Vasil Bozhkov from a Russian oligarch. Investigators in the United States, Europe and Bulgaria examine money transfers related to antique artefacts allegedly tied to Bozhkov. Three transactions totalling USD 5 million are traced between 29 and 31 December 2020, originating from a fund connected to 50-year-old billionaire and financial broker Andrew Budzhinski, said to have strong ties to Russian oligarchs and residing in the UAE.

The authorities suspect possible money laundering through the trade of antique objects, including alleged fictitious auctions. Bozhkov’s extensive collection of antiques remains confiscated by the Bulgarian prosecution since early 2020. He insists that the seizure is unlawful and seeks legal means to reclaim the items.

Bozhkov, who appears on the US “Magnitsky” sanctions list, faces criminal proceedings in Bulgaria for unpaid fees for gambling operations as well as for alleged contract killings and other offences. The prosecution does not confirm or deny whether it plans to meet with US and European agencies in the coming days regarding Bozhkov’s case.

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Dnevnik reports that over the past five years, nine individuals receive prison sentences for cruelty to animals. The Supreme Cassation Prosecution Office shares data showing that, from 2019 to 2024, prosecutors bring charges against 318 people for violence toward animals, neglect, or organising animal fights. As of 2024 (data still incomplete), there are 309 prosecutorial acts leading to 262 convictions. Of those, nine go to prison for directly causing animals’ death, while others receive suspended sentences, probation, or fines.

Most indictments, 235, concern harm or killing of vertebrate animals, and 71 address insufficient care. Three involve organizing or conducting animal fights.

HEALTHCARE

Trud covers that over 300 medicines disappear from the Bulgarian market in the last two years, creating serious challenges for patient care. "We no longer have access to them, and our ability to provide treatment is declining," says Petar Moskov, a former health minister. Moskov notes that several of these medicines have no alternatives and blames misguided State policies.

Pharmaceutical companies withdraw the products for economic reasons, comments Boriana Marinkova, Executive Director of the Bulgarian Association for Medicines Parallel Trade Development. Trud points out that 103 medicines are removed from the positive list in 2024 at the manufacturers’ request and no longer have a registered price. Oncology treatments are most affected, and oncologists confirm that basic chemotherapy drugs periodically vanish, alongside painkillers for cancer patients. “There is still much to be desired in the care for cancer patients,” says Evgeniya Aleksandrova, chair of the Association of Patients with Oncological Diseases, who noted that some hospitals turn patients away because of missing medicines.

The newspaper shows that the National Health Insurance Fund proposes placing 40 onco-drugs in a separate budget of BGN 26 million, aiming to ensure continuous supply. Trud also details problems with medicines for diabetes, cardiovascular and psychiatric conditions, as well as with vaccines and antibiotics. In some cases, hospitals import unregistered products at higher prices, slowing down treatment.

Pharmacists interviewed by Trud say that generics often exist but come with side effects. When certain drugs are withdrawn, the remaining drugs are at risk of price hikes or face complicated import procedures. "Medicines without an equivalent fall under regulations that do not govern their prices," says Velina Grigorova, chair of the Bulgarian Pharmaceutical Union, and adds that this leads to more profit for wholesalers but leaves patients in a difficult situation.