site.btaMedia Review: July 17

ARREST OF VARNA MAYOR

Telegraph reports that around 1,000 supporters gather in Varna, and simultaneously in Sofia, Ruse, London, Brussels, Munich and Berlin, for a third rally backing arrested mayor Blagomir Kotsev. The crowd chants “We want our mayor” and signs a petition titled “Enough political repressions! Let’s protect the rule of law in Bulgaria! Freedom for Blago.” Held under the slogan “Hands off of Varna”, the protest displays placards such as “You are not scaring us! Kotsev, Stefanov, Kateliev, we are with you,” “Justice, not procurements,”, and “Today it’s Blago, tomorrow it’s you.” Participants read former deputy mayor Dian Ivanov’s statement that his July testimony was given under pressure from the Counter-Corruption Commission (CCC). Kotsev’s wife Kameliya and their two-month-old baby attend the rally, joined by Kotsev’s father Rubin.

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Mediapool.bg and Dnevnik write that simultaneous rallies begin at 18:30 on Wednesday in Sofia, Varna, London, Brussels and Berlin under the slogan “Let us remove the Truncheons of Feudal Lords” to support detained Varna mayor Blagomir Kotsev after a key witness withdraws testimony.

In Sofia thousands gather outside the Palace of Justice. Lawyer Velislav Velichkov of the Justice for All initiative opens the rally, saying, “We know who orders it and who executes it – this man declares war not only on a few deputy mayors but on an entire parliamentary group, aiming to destroy the small opposition to this mafia government.” Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria leaders Assen Vasilev, Lena Borislavova, Nikolay Denkov, former economy minister Bogdan Bogdanov, MP Martin Dimitrov and four former justice ministers (Nadezhda Iordanova, Atanas Slavov, Krum Zarkov and Ivan Demerdzhiev) stand in front rows.

Slavov tells the crowd that prosecutors show “institutional cynicism” by ignoring a six-month limit on acting posts and promises bills and hearings to curb abuse. Iordanova addresses the “puppet-masters of the captured state”, declaring, “We know how to fight the truncheons, with the power of law and democracy.” Demerdzhiev says, “To be an accused under Borissov and Peevski’s perverted model is a matter of dignity; it means they have not broken you.”

Democratic Bulgaria MP Ivaylo Mirchev alleges the CCC serves [Movement for Rights and Freedoms] Leader Delyan Peevski, claiming, “A list with 88 of our mayors is ready to be smashed. We will not allow it, this is Europe!” Continue the Change Chair Vassilev adds, “Courage is knowing there is something more important than fear… we will beat them and we will not give up.” Democratic Bulgaria Chair Atanas Atanassov calls the case “a special operation to liquidate the opposition.”

In Varna a large crowd assembles outside the municipality; Kotsev’s father Rubin says his son aims to make the city “greener and more European.” Bulgarians abroad are urged to join, stressing that living elsewhere “does not mean we do not care for Bulgaria.”

Sofia Court of Appeal is due to rule on Kotsev’s detention on Thursday; its decision is final. Petkov urges citizens to protest against “a state of two mobsters”, warning that Bulgaria “slides towards dictatorship.”

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All dailies report that key witness Dian Ivanov retracts his statement against Varna mayor Blagomir Kotsev one day before the Sofia Court of Appeal decides whether Kotsev remains in custody. Ivanov, Kotsev’s long-time lawyer, family friend and former deputy mayor, submits a declaration to the Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office claiming he was pressured by the anti-corruption commission and posts on Facebook: “We will see what happens to me…”.

The investigation began after businesswoman Plamenka Dimitrova alleged a 15% kickback on a BGN 1.5 million school-meals contract. Kotsev, councillors Nikolay Stefanov and Yordan Kateliev, and businessman Ivaylo Marinov are charged with forming an organized group for bribery, abuse of office and money-laundering; supporters protest again in Varna and other cities.

At lawyers’ request the case on detention measures is randomly assigned to judges Aleksandar Zhelyazkov, Atanaska Kitipova and Desislav Lyubomirov, with a hearing set for Thursday.

Prosecutors insist the trial stay in Sofia because the alleged group includes an MP, identified by the defence as CC leader Assen Vassilev, who vows to sue for defamation. Defence lawyers cite a Constitutional Court ruling that an investigation may proceed only after the immunity of a MP is lifted.

A fresh audio file sent to the media, purportedly featuring Dimitrova and Kotsev, contains no discussion of money; an earlier recording was rejected by the court for not being part of authorized surveillance.

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Capital reports that former Varna deputy mayor and long-time lawyer Dian Ivanov withdraws the statement he gave on July 8 against mayor Blagomir Kotsev and three others accused of forming an organized crime group. In a declaration lodged with the Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office on July 16, Ivanov writes that he spoke “under pressure from agents of the Counter-Corruption Commission” and promises, “If necessary, in the presence of counsel I will explain in detail the circumstances under which those words were taken,” Ivanov says.

The paper recalls that at 16:30 on July 8, hours before Ivanov’s first interrogation, which starts at 19:30 and ends at 22:30, CCC sources were already briefing journalists that he was the key witness. When Capital telephones him at that time he replies that he has never testified and “does not know what this is about”, only to be questioned later that evening. The leak therefore “confirms”, Capital notes, that the commission had decided in advance to use Ivanov’s testimony and applied pressure to secure it.

Ivanov’s words underpin the entire case: prosecutors cite them to corroborate businesswoman Plamenka Dimitrova, who claims she was asked for a 10% kickback on a BGN 1.5 million school-meals contract. Dimitrova says part of the money was intended for Kotsev, councillors Nikolay Stefanov and Yordan Kateliev, Ivanov himself and an unnamed MP – alleged to be CC Chair Assen Vassilev, thereby “raising the public danger” of the defendants. With Ivanov’s retraction the prosecution loses its only source linking Vassilev to the affair.

Capital observes that CCC’s tactic of threatening witnesses with indictment if they refuse to cooperate is widely rumoured but rarely admitted; Ivanov’s declaration offers the first public confession. The development, the paper says, casts doubt on the Varna corruption probe and prompts a broader question: how many witnesses in political cases have spoken under the same kind of pressure?

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bTV reported that former interior minister and lawyer Emanuil Yordanov likened the pressure alleged by key witness Dian Ivanov in the Varna mayor case to the trial of former mayor of Mladost borough Ivancheva, who was convicted, saying “No authority will initiate an investigation proactively, and no authority will examine whether there has been any pressure from the Counter-Corruption Commission.” and declaring “Nothing about this case is normal”. Yordanov stressed that the defendant must learn the specific charges and evidence, yet the file merely referenced an “unknown MP”. He argued that in criminal law “It is absurd to speak of an unknown MP” and insisted the name and actions of the lawmaker should be spelled out.

Defence lawyer Dimitar Markovski noted that Ivanov’s original testimony remained on record; because Ivanov had not submitted a fresh statement, “even if new testimony is provided, this does not mean that it will be accepted as credible”. Markovski said every existing piece of evidence had to be weighed. He added that transferring jurisdiction to the Sofia City Court could raise questions, remarking it was “legally imprecise” to move the case without naming the MP, though he rejected suggestions that the shift proved “the long arms” of the Counter-Corruption Commission.

POLITICS

All dailies report that an Alpha Research survey conducted July 7-14 finds GERB holding 25.5% support and retaining first place. The Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) coalition follows with 13.9%, while Movement for Rights and Freedoms – New Beginning rises to 13.1%, with Ahmed Dogan’s Alliance for Rights and Freedoms (ARF) remaining below the parliamentary threshold. Eight formations: GERB-UDF, CC-DB, Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) – New Beginning, BSP – United Left, MECh, There Is Such a People (TISP), Velichie and Vazrazhdane, would enter the next National Assembly.

Among party heads, Borissov keeps the highest trust level at 22.3%, though it slips slightly since January. Bozhidar Bozhanov and Ivaylo Mirchev each register about 16%, while Assen Vassilev stands at 11.6%. In the nationalist camp, Vazrazhdane retreats to 11.5%, MECH advances to 6.3% and Velichie holds 4.1%.

President Radev holds the highest overall approval rating, with 39% positive and 33% negative opinions, though his support has dropped by five points following discussion of his euro-referendum proposal. The survey includes responses from 1,000 adults across the country, collected via in-home tablet interviews.

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24 Chasa reports that GERB leader Boyko Borissov insists his party has met its objectives, saying, “GERB has accomplished the objectives that led us to join this government; all goals have been met. The decision now rests with the people.” He suggests that if current momentum persists, “it would be wise to put things to a vote again,” but finds no justification for replacing a cabinet that is achieving results.

Borissov contends that the protests following the arrest of Varna’s mayor aim to create instability, making euro-zone accession under a caretaker government risky and unfavorable. He maintains that he does not respond to previous arrests of GERB mayors with retribution, stating, “I do not take revenge; life does.”

Borissov notes the EU hails Bulgaria for salvaging a once-lost Recovery and Resilience Plan and for placing two EUR 3.2 billion bond issues, with “more than 440 investors willing to buy Bulgarian debt”. With “just a little work left so Bulgarians receive billions of euros”, he invites critics to propose a legal definition of speculation: “If the opposition wants us to address an issue, they should specify what needs improvement, and we will make the necessary adjustments.”

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Nova TV reported that Vice-President Iliana Iotova said the latest EU rule-of-law report was “buried” during the eurozone entry celebrations even though its findings were more alarming and demanded rapid legal reform. She warned the euro would work only “if the State has rules” and noted that basic goods had disappeared from shelves and reappeared “with higher prices”.

Iotova criticized the cabinet’s silence on Trump’s revived tariffs, threatened cuts to EU rural and cohesion funds, and Europe’s plan to buy US weapons, calling the wait-and-see stance unfit for an EU member. Addressing Varna mayor Blagomir Kotsev’s case, she said witness-tampering claims dealt an unprecedented blow to the Counter-Corruption Commission and the justice system, while the public protest was justified. She also reproached the Finance Ministry for taking on new debt without explaining its purpose and for expressing unease over euro adoption without offering a strategy.

ECONOMY

Duma writes that Regional Development and Public Works Minister Ivan Ivanov announces, “After diligent work involving the ministry and Deputy Prime Minister [Tomislav] Donchev, I can say the funds under the Recovery and Resilience Plan for residential energy renovation are saved.” He explains that part of the money remains with the ministry, while another share will transfer to the Bulgarian Development Bank via a decree expected next week.

Ivanov notes 718 contracts under Stage I, with BGN 2.5 million already paid to municipalities, and 90 contracts under Stage II, which will be fully financed once moved to the bank. The minister forecasts investment of more than BGN 4 billion in home energy upgrades by the end of 2029, lowering household energy costs.

“We put all our efforts into finalizing the plan and I am sure that this year the first renovated buildings will be in use,” Ivanov says, calling the rescue of the funds “an exceptional success”. He adds that the first National Programme for Energy Efficiency of multifamily buildings reaches 99.9% implementation, with work completed on over 131,000 homes, 11 million square meters of improved housing stock and 279,362 beneficiaries, financed by more than BGN 1.9 billion.

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Capital writes that California-based Varda Space Industries, co-founded by Bulgarian Delyan Asparuhov, raises USD 187 million in Series C funding, lifting total outside investment to USD 329 million and likely pushing the firm past the USD 1 billion unicorn mark.

Varda flies uncrewed capsules that crystallize drug compounds in microgravity; since 2023 it has completed three missions, with a fourth capsule now in orbit. Asparuhov says one more launch and two landings are planned this year, with four flights slated for 2026 and a goal of doubling the count annually.

The fresh cash expands the El Segundo lab to handle biologics such as monoclonal antibodies, while a USD 60 million US Air Force contract showcases Varda’s reusable re-entry tech. CEO Will Bruey notes that space manufacturing “unlocks drug formulations that otherwise would not exist.”

SOCIETY

Trud writes that the Education Committee in Parliament approves an amendment obliging universities to set paid-study fees at no less than 60% of the state subsidy, a move sponsors call a “possibility for flexibility”. Fees for current cohorts would rise by 20%, and tuition would stay fixed for the full course. Council of Rectors chair Miglena Temelkova says the change could delay the academic year and urged MPs to review university funding. MPs warn that arts tuition could top BGN 10,000 and steer students to private institutions; a final vote is due before the summer recess. The emergency bill follows universities’ decision to lift paid-study fees by up to 200% to offset inflation, sparking protests at Sofia University.

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Telegraph publishes an extended interview with Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Bulgaria (CITUB) vice-president Todor Kapitanov, who relates that police hold him handcuffed for three hours during Monday’s forestry-workers protest. Officers, he says, initially shoved demonstrators, then dragged him away “with an extremely aggressive tone, threats and curses”, preventing any contact with family or legal counsel until media outcry forced police to formalize the arrest.

Kapitanov claims the Police “tests its new riot-control gear on us”, adding: “We were the test subjects for the police’s new equipment.” He said he can confirm the gear works. "The impact from a helmet is extremely painful, as is the blow from a baton and the strikes from shields.” He reports bruises on arms and thighs and neck pain and argues the incident signals state repression of unions: “This is a clear indication of repression against the entire trade union community in Bulgaria.”

More than 300 officers, about one per four marchers, surround the rally even though organizers comply with every legal requirement. Kapitanov denies claims that protesters damage police vehicles, noting that cars stand behind three or four cordons. CITUB will contest the arrest order in court and seek legislation that better protects the constitutional right to protest.

The unionist reiterates the forestry staff’s demands: a 15% wage rise from 1 June (20% for salaries below BGN 2,000 and 10% for those above), proper work clothing and recognition of second-category labour status because rangers help fight forest fires. He welcomes Agriculture Ministry “goodwill” but stresses that funding hinges on Finance-Ministry approval.

Kapitanov warns that unresolved pay and conditions grievances could spark further industrial action in healthcare, road infrastructure, nuclear regulation, public broadcasters and Sofia public transport.

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Bulgarian National Television (BNT) reported that Culture Minister Marian Bachev said the budgets of theatres, operas and philharmonics had not been cut and that work was already under way to secure additional funds in next year’s draft budget, which officials intended to compile in September-October. Bachev confirmed that all cultural-institution salaries had been paid by July 5 and noted that some Recovery and Resilience Plan money for culture had been lost because tender procedures were delayed by more than a year and a half; the ministry is now racing to recover lost ground so both large and small municipalities could benefit from more projects rather than forfeit funding.

Bachev announced that a draft overhaul of the National Film Centre’s rules had been published for public consultation. He also reviewed the UNESCO session in Paris, under the Presidency of Bulgaria, and explained that organizing a session in Sofia would have required parliamentary ratification at least eight months in advance, a deadline that had already passed. The minister added that Nessebar’s World Heritage status would remain unchanged for at least two years while Bulgaria addressed UNESCO’s recommendations, a process Bachev had already discussed with the mayor of Nessebar.

Finally, Bachev revealed that his ministry now faced a BGN 3.9 million penalty for unpaid copyright fees dating back to 2022. He explained that the liability originated under the previous government and was worsened by multiple cabinet changes, requiring the current administration to allocate funds from its limited budget.

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Nova TV reported that road‐safety campaigner Vladimir Todorov doubted the forthcoming Road Traffic Act amendments would markedly discipline drivers, arguing that the “genie was out of the bottle” with electric scooters, whose cheap and easy purchase made strict regulation hard to enforce.

The changes prohibited individuals under 16 from riding electric scooters, introduced mandatory registration plates and third-party insurance, and increased the fine for drivers without licenses from BGN 10 to BGN 30, even though the government has committed to digitizing documentation.

Todorov raised concerns about how rental operators would provide helmets, now required by law, and described roadside cameras as the most effective safety measure. He welcomed the plan to install over 1,000 devices within eighteen months to monitor both spot and average speed. However, he cautioned that a surge in electronic tickets could overwhelm traffic police offices.

The amendments require two-wheel riders to travel only during daylight, dismount and walk across pedestrian crossings, wear helmets, avoid using phones, and yield to traffic where necessary. Lawyer Petar Bozov noted that police already have the authority to stop scooters and argued that requiring helmet use for shared fleets would need additional legislative changes; otherwise, he warned, the law risked being ineffective, as citizens might simply ignore it.

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Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) reported that the Council of Ministers approved the Education Ministry’s draft amendments to the Pre-school and School Education Act after receiving more than 860 submissions totalling over 2,000 pages. Education expert Gergana Efremova told BNR that the package lacked “a comprehensive vision and road map” and rested on no thorough impact study, adding that the system was “already exhausted by piecemeal patch-ups”.

Efremova noted that even the Council of Ministers’ own staff had flagged the absence of a full impact assessment, which she found “particularly worrying”, because education affected the whole society. She reminded listeners that the ministry had financed OECD and World Bank reports rich in “valuable data and recommendations that remained only on paper”. Youth organizations had likewise submitted opinions that deserved attention, she said, because young people wanted “their voice to be heard”.

On the planned mobile-phone ban in schools, Efremova argued that regulation was necessary but a total prohibition was unrealistic and fining parents would saddle schools with tasks outside their remit. “The times we live in exclude a full ban on electronic devices,” she remarked.

Turning to the proposal to introduce a religion module, she warned that pupils were promised choice, yet the syllabus would ultimately depend on the majority’s preference. World religions, she said, should continue to be taught “within their philosophical and historical context, not confessionally”.