site.btaMedia Review: April 4

POLITICS

Trud and Dnevnik present new polling data from Market Links indicating that, if elections take place now, GERB wins with 23.1% of the vote, followed by Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) at 14.8%. Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) – New Beginning, led by Delyan Peevski, is third at 11.2%, Vazrazhdane ranks fourth at 11%, while the Alliance for Rights and Freedoms (ARF), led by Ahmed Dogan, has 6.5%, BSP – United Left stands at 6%, and There Is Such a People (TISP) (4.5%), Mech (4.4%), and Velichie (4.4%) would also enter Parliament.

Trud and Dnevnik note that trust in all institutions remains low, with only 12% approving of the National Assembly compared to 66% disapproval, and 22% support for the government alongside 46% disapproval. President Radev holds the highest approval among political figures at 45% approval and 30% disapproval. Chair of the National Assembly Nataliya Kiselova has 24% approval and 39% disapproval, while Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov stands at 25% approval and 44% disapproval.

Trud and Dnevnik add that among party leaders, Boyko Borisov leads in approval with 23% trust (60% distrust), while Peevski and Kiril Petkov share an equal trust rating. Sociologist Dobromir Zhivkov comments that the partial annulment of the vote, the newly adopted budget, parliamentary debates, and the anticipated no-confidence motion further undermine trust in institutions, which already suffer from what he describes as a perilously low baseline level of approval.

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All dailies report that the no-confidence motion against the Cabinet of Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov fails as expected. Out of 204 MPs, 150 vote “against,” while 54 vote “for,” with no abstentions. GERB, MRF – New Beginning, DRF (Democracy, Rights and Freedoms) – MRF, BSP – United Left, and There Is Such a People (TISP) all oppose removing the cabinet. Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) do not take part in the vote, and Vazrazhdane, MECH, and Velichie support the no-confidence motion, introduced by Vazrazhdane.

Outlets report that there is already talk of additional motions. GERB leader Boyko Borissov says such moves aim to destabilise the country, while Continue the Change (CC) prepares its own no-confidence proposal. Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov says the vote serves its purpose by revealing who truly opposes the government. MRF – New Beginning leader Delyan Peevski calls on the cabinet to improve revenue collection. MECh suggests it would be reluctant to lend support to further no-confidence motions in the future, and Velichie is willing to back any initiative to unseat the cabinet.

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Bulgarian National Television (BNT) aired an interview with CC-DV MP Ivaylo Mirchev on a morning programme on Friday. Mirchev said CC-DB would not support a no-confidence motion until Bulgaria received a target date for joining the eurozone.

According to Mirchev, a negative answer would leave Bulgaria without the option of entry at least until 2030, which he described as unacceptable given the eurozone’s importance for the country’s prosperity and geopolitical standing.

He added that CC-DB regarded Bulgaria’s eurozone membership as a national priority. While noting certain criticisms of the Zhelyazkov cabinet, particularly in foreign policy, defence, and the Ministry of Interior, Mirchev emphasized that CC-DB did not share the stance of Vazrazhdane and therefore would not support its no-confidence proposal.

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24 Chasa, Mediapool.bg and Dnevnik write that for the past six months, Mustafa Emin, a former adviser in the office of ex-Defence Minister Todor Tagarev, tours the country with Velichie leader Ivelin Mihaylov, helping set up party structures and preparing a shadow cabinet. Emin was previously affiliated with the Yes, Bulgaria Party, but resigned his advisory role following a 2023 incident at Pirogov Hospital, where doctors and nurses accused him of threatening them by citing supposed connections to the then-Health Minister. The dispute arose because Emin’s two-year-old son had a head wound, and medical staff first treated another child in a shock room before assisting him. Emin denied wrongdoing, but he subsequently left both his party post and “Yes, Bulgaria,” which officially reprimanded him for the scandal.

Mihaylov explains that Emin mainly handles the party’s connections with minorities, though he is formally listed as an adviser on defence. In a live broadcast, Mihaylov comments that Emin is criticised for joining what some call a pro-Russian party but insists Velichie is a people’s party and says Bulgaria cannot turn against Russia or Ukraine. The outlets note that this new influx of non-staff experts increases the total number of parliamentary advisers to 232, nearly matching the 240 MPs.

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Mediapool.bg reports that according to sociologist Marchella Abrasheva from Kantar, public energy for protest remains, but people need a tangible political alternative or impetus to mobilise. She says this is lacking at present. Abrasheva points out that, for the first time in Bulgaria’s political life, GERB leader Boyko Borissov and MRF – New Beginning leader Delyan Peevski openly cooperate in governance, regardless of who holds a formal majority or minority role. While they criticise one another occasionally, Borissov refuses to distance himself from Peevski or establish a sanitary cordon.

Abrasheva also asserts that Bulgaria’s potential entry into the eurozone on January 1, 2026 will affect the presidential election next year and determine the balance of pro- and anti-European forces in parliament. She notes that the recent failure of the first no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov was predictable.

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bTV reported that Democracy, Rights and Freedoms (DRF) – MRF Floor Leader Dzhevdet Chakarov said the current government did really give way to power to MRF – New Beginning Leader Delyan Peevski. Chakarov emphasized that his faction refused any cooperation with Peevski’s MRF – New Beginning, calling such involvement a red line. He explained that DRF – MRF initially supported the Cabinet in hopes of ending the political crisis but saw little progress.

Chakarov said DRF – MRF demanded the removal of certain individuals allegedly installed by MRF – New Beginning, who he claimed exerted pressure in various institutions and regional administrations. He noted that if their requests are not met, DRF – MRF would only continue supporting the Cabinet until Bulgaria received its eurozone convergence report. Chakarov also said that at that stage, Ahmed Dogan had no plans to return as party leader or create a new party and has not authorized anyone else to do so.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

All dailies write that King Abdullah II of Jordan calls Bulgaria “a pillar of strength in the region and a wise voice in NATO and the EU” during talks with President Rumen Radev. “The power of cooperation between our two countries will help overcome the challenges we face,” said King Abdullah. Radev says both nations have long-standing ties in key areas, with Jordan playing a leading role in the Arab world while Bulgaria is an active NATO and EU member. The two leaders co-host a high-level meeting in Sofia as part of the “Aqaba Process,” joined by the presidents of Serbia and North Macedonia, Aleksandar Vucic and Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, to address security issues in the Balkans. “I believe we will find new ways to strengthen our bilateral relations,” added King Abdullah. 24 Chasa adds that Siljanovska-Davkova and Vucic’s visit becomes known from publications in the two countries, as the forum remains closed to the media. Radev plans a meeting with Siljanovska-Davkova, who is also set to visit Pirogov Hospital, where some of those injured in a night club fire in Kocani are being treated.

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Trud and 24 Chasa write that Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev meets US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels and stresses efforts to deepen collaboration in defence and nuclear energy. Georgiev points to Bulgaria’s modernization, including the purchase of F-16 Block 70 fighter jets, the first of which arrives on Thursday, and the planned acquisition of Stryker vehicles and Javelin missiles. They also discuss the agreement with Westinghouse to diversify fuel for Kozloduy NPP. Both officials conclude that stronger cooperation in these areas is a priority for bilateral relations and NATO, and confirm they will continue their dialogue, including through Georgiev’s future visit to Washington.

ECONOMY

Capital writes that Bulgaria’s economy is expected to grow by around 3.1% this year, following a stronger-than-anticipated 2.8% expansion in 2024, according to UniCredit Bulbank’s chief economist, Kristofor Pavlov. This acceleration stems largely from public and private investments, especially linked to state-funded capital programmes and EU recovery funds. While domestic consumption remains a key driver, its growth is projected to moderate due to slower wage increases, slightly higher inflation, and a deceleration in new lending.

The report notes that investments in machinery, infrastructure, and equipment should provide an economic boost, despite ongoing global uncertainties such as trade conflicts, slowdowns in major European economies, and geopolitical tensions. Pavlov predicts that net exports will continue to drag on growth, barring stronger demand from Bulgaria’s main trading partners. Meanwhile, inflation will likely rise to around 3.5% this year, fuelled primarily by regulated prices and higher costs for some basic food products.

According to UniCredit’s forecast, these inflation levels should not impede Bulgaria’s plan to join the euro area. However, the greatest domestic risk for the economy remains political instability, which could stall reforms and discourage both investors and further European integration efforts.

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24 Chasa writes that Bulgaria faces a potential water supply crisis due to drought and outdated infrastructure, according to Environment Minister Manol Genov. Although rainfall is expected to be about 40% below average this summer, Genov says water will suffice and no major restrictions are planned. He notes that the ministry focuses on balancing water distribution, reducing amounts drawn from major dams for energy and irrigation. In some cases, potable water volumes from reservoirs such as Kamchiya and Ticha are also lowered. Serious problems, he adds, are water wastage and malfunctioning supply networks.

Regional Minister Ivan Ivanov highlights illegal connections as another issue and warns that water companies must cut them off. He says the ministry monitors water utility investment programmes, particularly in areas with restricted supply. Current projects include the imminent launch of Luda Yana Dam and its treatment plant, providing water for Panagyurishte, while other major undertakings are planned in Sliven, Sevlievo, Gabrovo, and Dryanovo. The government also considers expanding or modernising facilities like the Cherni Osam system, plus building a treatment plant at Aheloy Dam.

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Mediapool.bg reports that Bulgaria’s market for quick loans expands significantly, with around 200 registered firms offering loans both online and via physical kiosks. Some charge real annual costs ranging from 40% to over 250%, often by adding “guarantee” or “additional service” fees on top of the advertised interest. Consumers can obtain loans in minutes with just an ID card, but many discover that they owe far more than the initial sum, prompting a growing number of court disputes.

The article points out that Bulgaria now “exports” its' fast-credit model to other regions – from North Macedonia, Spain, and the Philippines, all the way to Colombia. It highlights major players such as Credissimo (operating in North Macedonia, Spain, and Colombia) and Cash Credit, which partners with telecom companies in markets ranging from Asia to Latin America. Easy Credit (under Management Financial Group) works in seven European countries and recently enters Mexico. Another firm, City Cash, combines fast loans with businesses in gaming and pawn shops. Foreign-owned operators like Ferratum from Finland, Profi Credit from Czechia, and Vivus.bg (linked to TBI Bank) also maintain a strong presence in Bulgaria.

According to the report, many contracts breach national rules capping the annual percentage rate at five times the legal interest rate – roughly 50–60% in recent years. Firms often circumvent the limit by charging extra fees under separate “guarantee,” “insurance,” or “service” contracts. If challenged in court, such agreements are frequently declared void, leaving borrowers to repay only the principal. Nonetheless, a high number of people still fall into debt because they sign up without understanding the true cost or face aggressive collection tactics. Some, like pensioners or hospital assistants, are even registered as “sole traders” to bypass consumer-protection laws.

Industry representatives demand new legislation that replaces the annual percentage rate with a fixed limit on how much more than the principal can be charged. They claim that the current cap is unrealistic for small-sum, short-term loans and drives companies to hide costs. Meanwhile, the Bulgarian National Bank says it monitors only entities lawfully registered as financial institutions, while the Commission for Consumer Protection conducts its own sector inspections. The article concludes that, despite proposed reforms, quick-credit kiosks proliferate, and significant regulatory gaps persist, leaving many vulnerable to crippling debt.

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Bulgarian National Television (BNT) reported that the higher toll charges had become a serious concern for international carriers and all those involved in transit and traffic through the country. Representatives of the transport sector spoke with Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Ivan Ivanov, who expressed personal commitment to the issue. However, tension remained within the sector, explained Nikolay Rashkov from the Union of International Carriers.

Rashkov said the industry was in an exceptionally tough economic situation, pushing many carriers to the brink. He stressed that any toll hike hit their costs hard and could endanger operations. In his view, transit operators should pay a fair share for their heavier use of infrastructure, and the authorities should crack down on systematic toll violators, who had caused about BGN 4.5 million in losses the previous month.

He also urged stricter checks from annual inspections through on-road oversight. Rashkov pointed out that EU discussions on harmonized toll systems require vehicles to be categorized not just by weight but also by emissions. He argued that carriers investing in modern, eco-friendlier trucks should receive state and operator support, rather than paying the same fees as older, higher-emission vehicles.

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Nova TV reported that the new US tariffs announced by President Donald Trump would affect several sectors in Bulgaria. According to Shteryo Nozharov, economic adviser to the Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA) and lecturer at the University of National and World Economy (UNWE), these measures could lead to the dumping of high-quality goods onto the EU market and, consequently, Bulgaria. Nozharov said in an interview that US trade duties would not only impact exports to America but would also have wider implications for various industries, including automotive parts, IT, and cosmetics.

Deputy Chair of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vasil Todorov told Nova TV that Bulgaria’s automotive sector, which exports components to Western European giants, would be directly influenced by US tariffs. He noted that the automotive business comprised hundreds of companies with billions of euros in exports, including electronic parts for vehicles. Todorov added that the IT sector and raw material producers, such as those supplying oils, would also be affected.

Nozharov clarified that the automotive industry in Bulgaria accounted for around 11% of GDP, with some 800 companies and approximately 76,000 workers. He said that electronics, at 5.6% of GDP and roughly 50,000 workers, would also be affected. Nozharov warned of a partial knock-on effect, whereby European companies priced out of the US market might offload their goods within the EU at potentially lower prices. He suggested this could flood Bulgaria with competitively priced products, such as clothing, which would hurt domestic manufacturers.

Rumen Radev, Chair of the Managing Board of the Association of Industrial Capital in Bulgaria (AICB), believed that Trump’s actions signalled the start of a trade war. He cautioned that reciprocal measures from nations hit by the tariffs could indeed lead to an escalation. Radev noted that while Bulgaria’s direct trade volume with the US remained relatively modest—over EUR 1 billion in exports last year and EUR 419 million in imports—major Bulgarian partners such as Germany, Romania, and Greece, all strongly affected by US tariffs, would reduce their economic activity, thereby impacting Bulgaria’s economy as well.

DEFENCE

Telegraph writes that former defence minister Krasimir Karakachanov calls for the reinstatement of conscription in Bulgaria, arguing it is possible to train 15,000 recruits a year if the service lasts six months. He suggests using existing military bases in Veliko Tarnovo, Dolna Mitropoliya, Pleven, and Shumen. Karakachanov points out that the investment needed for this was once estimated at BGN 100 million and criticises the fact that the current government allocates significant funds to NATO facilities while neglecting Bulgarian youth training.

He stresses that the new F-16 Block 70 fighter jets sufficiently serve the country’s needs, while F-35s are too costly and intended for larger nations. According to Karakachanov, much of the present modernisation programme, including building naval vessels in Varna, stems from earlier initiatives, yet he warns against purchasing outdated Striker vehicles instead of investing in domestic arms production. He says Bulgaria must return to manufacturing key components like gunpowder to reduce dependency on imports.

Karakachanov also believes Europe’s security environment worsens, highlighting the conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Africa, along with tensions in the Western Balkans. He notes that a robust air defence and drone capability are essential for the EU, rather than reacting only when crises erupt.

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Nova TV reported that former Chief of Defence General Konstantin Popov commented on Bulgaria’s defence challenges and the recent arrival of the country’s first F-16 Block 70 fighter jet. He said Bulgaria had begun building a technologically modern air force, emphasizing the need to learn how to operate and plan combat missions with the new aircraft.

Popov was certain the Air Force and the Ministry of Defence were carefully managing pilot training and pay. He said a 30% salary increase for the military was justified, given the delay in modernizing programmes. He also emphasized that both Europe and the rest of the world were paying closer attention to military capabilities, stressing the importance of maintaining security not only regionally but globally.

Asked whether Bulgaria should restore conscription, Popov recalled that it had once been a suitable approach, but questioned whether society would accept it today and whether the country could afford it. He noted that preparing for a crisis or war is essential, requiring clarity on how institutions and the public would respond. Popov pointed out that Europe had not primarily focused on defence in its core policies and that NATO remained the key framework for collective security. He concluded that any new defence strategies should consider NATO’s role and how member states coordinate within the alliance.

CRIME

Capital writes that an ongoing investigation into the extension of Bulgaria’s Chiren underground gas storage facility reveals possible manipulation of public tenders, misuse of state and EU funds, and alleged pressure from MRF – New Beginning leader Delyan Peevski on project participants. The probe, led by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), centres on large-scale contracts worth hundreds of millions awarded by the state gas operator Bulgartransgaz.

According to Capital, questions arise over how companies lacking the necessary capacity or experience gain access to these contracts, while others – including foreign subcontractors – claim they face threats or are forced to accept unprofitable terms. Leaked documents and witness accounts describe attempts to replace complex directional drilling with cheaper vertical wells, raising safety concerns. Former caretaker energy minister and current head of Bulgartransgaz Vladimir Malinov is questioned by EPPO, and European prosecutor Teodora Georgieva says she faces personal attacks – allegedly in retaliation for her role in this case.

Meanwhile Georgieva’s claim that Peevski sought BGN 20 million from some subcontractors and arranged which firms would win the contracts is reported on March 26. Peevski, who denies involvement and threatens legal action, is mentioned in various complaints sent to Bulgarian and international institutions, with several subcontractors alleging he exerts pressure.

Multiple complaints were filed before the Commission for Protection of Competition (CPC), though the specific grounds for them do not appear in the official registers. However, a Czech consortium provided more details to the media, stating: “These tenders feature contradictions, ambiguities, and inadequately defined parameters, making it impossible to meet the project’s requirements.” They also argue that splitting the project into three contracts leads to costlier separate deliveries of materials and equipment, which “cannot be put into operation independently. Each portion is inextricably linked to the others, and the technical parameters can only be achieved in coordination with the other two phases.” Additionally, the consortium claims Bulgartransgaz has not correctly calculated the technical specifications, which may further raise the final cost once work begins.

The original deals worth over BGN 600 million were cancelled in October 2024 after an advance payment had already been made and some on-site work begun. Malinov maintains the tender process was fully lawful, citing multiple institutional audits that confirmed it. Asked why such a “perfect” contract was not fulfilled, he replies it was terminated by mutual consent but provides no further details. Former project insiders’ statements referenced in a November Anti-Corruption Fund (ACF) report suggest the project had stalled so badly that timely completion was impossible.

Despite the upheaval, Bulgartransgaz has launched new tenders. Malinov highlights a new agreement signed on March 13 with the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), extending the project’s deadline to 2027 and ensuring the European Commission’s continued grant of EUR 78 million. In early 2025, the company announces a new competition for just six wells, with a budget of BGN 109.5 million. Malinov says the evaluation commission should finish by April 11. Citing this as proof of the Commission’s support, Malinov says he will remain in office and pledges to complete Chiren and fully cooperate with prosecutors.

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Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) reported that Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov told Parliament that the government would remain intolerant of any form of corruption in response to a question posed by CC-DB MP Lena Borislavova about the European Public Prosecutor’s Office investigation into the expansion of Bulgaria’s Chiren gas storage facility. Borislavova asked whether the prime minister’s lack of reaction amounted to “shielding various schemes.”

Zhelyazkov replied that no financial losses had been established in the project, as no significant payments had been made, and he emphasized that the matter was under investigation. He added that several Ministry of Interior officials had been dismissed or removed from duty in connection with the case, and that untangling all related issues would take time. The prime minister assured that there would be no “umbrella” covering corrupt practices and reiterated the government’s zero tolerance toward corruption.

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Trud and Dnevnik write that a Ukrainian national with Russian citizenship named Arina Osipova, presenting herself as Dr Gudz, injects 20 women with Botox, 11 of whom require hospital treatment. Prosecutors begin an investigation into her for allegedly practising medicine without the necessary qualification, question over 60 witnesses, and plan pharmacological expertise on the injected substances. Initially, charges are still pending, but Trud later writes that, following 2 months of inquiries, prosecutors file charges, citing sufficient evidence that Osipova performs cosmetic procedures without a valid licence in the period from March 2024 to January 18, 2025. The newspaper adds that it is believed Osipova injects illegally acquired Botox of dubious quality, obtained by illegal means from sanctioned countries, and that some of the women who undergo these procedures suffer neurological damage such as drooping eyelids, loss of coordination in the limbs, facial swelling, and abscesses in the affected areas. Investigations so far show that Osipova does not hold a medical degree, having only attended cosmetic courses. She attracts clients for her “medical” procedures by offering significantly lower prices for Botox injections.

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Duma writes that Head of the Plovdiv Regional Health Inspectorate, Argir Argirov, warns about incidents where individuals from neighbouring countries offer medical consultations in Bulgaria without valid local accreditation. Argirov notes that at least one of these offers comes from a person without a recognized medical degree. He urges the public not to register for such consultations, which often occur in unregulated venues like hotels and conference halls. Patients are then encouraged to continue treatment across the border, a practice that is strictly prohibited. Several such cases are discovered and referred to the prosecution service.

SOCIETY

Capital writes that within just one week, vigilant viewers suspect two national TV channels of practising censorship. First, while Bulgarian European Prosecutor Teodora Georgieva tells several media outlets that she feels threatened by MRF – New Beginning leader Delyan Peevski, Nova TV’s report on the story omits Peevski’s name. Although bTV airs Georgieva’s statement, Nova TV presents her remarks differently and later defends itself by saying Georgieva sends them a separate statement omitting Peevski’s name.

In a similar development, the Bulgarian National Television (BNT) website posts what it calls the full recording of the “Ikar” theatre awards ceremony, but viewers discover omissions in actor Samuel Finzi’s acceptance speech. Social media users notice that Finzi’s line, “I would like to say thank you to one pilot – but not to you, Mr President,” addressing the attending President Rumen Radev, does not appear in BNT’s initial upload. Other critical remarks from award recipients are also absent. BNT later posts a version about an hour longer, though the earlier short edit prompts accusations of deliberate censorship.

Ultimately, these incidents produce the so-called Streisand effect – an attempt to hide information that results in its broader dissemination. The term references a legal action by singer and actress Barbra Streisand to suppress an image of her private residence, only to see the photo gain widespread attention as a result. In today’s world, with social media competition, Capital writes, it is far harder to bury something once it has reached the public sphere, ultimately leading to greater notoriety.