site.btaCity Hall, Ministry Spar Over Project Funds

Sofia City Hall and the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works (MRDPW) traded barbs Wednesday over delays in the disbursement of state funds for infrastructure projects in the capital. While the municipality warns that these delays are jeopardizing vital works, the Ministry insists that incomplete documentation is the root cause, and denies any political motive.

In a statement issued early in the day, Sofia Municipality said that 156 projects were approved for state funding in 2025 under the State Budget Act but only BGN 98,554 has been paid out and agreements have been signed for just 10 projects in four Sofia districts. 

Mayor Vasil Terziev expressed frustration at the situation: “As mayor, I cannot allow political games and funding delays to hinder the city’s development. Every street, every bridge, every kindergarten is part of the daily life of Sofia’s residents, and I will insist that the funds rightfully due to our citizens are paid in full.”

Responding to the accusations, the Ministry released a statement asserting that the delays stem from “documentation inconsistencies” and a failure to meet the legal standards for public funding. The ministry emphasized it is willing to finance all legally compliant projects and claimed that 720 projects across 214 municipalities have already been funded—indicating that Sofia’s situation is not unique.

“Mayor Terziev himself notes that 720 projects have been paid out. This shows that the process is not used for political games,” the ministry stated. “What is political is his attempt to pit the citizens of Sofia against those in the provinces.”
During a parliamentary hearing later in the day, Regional Development Minister Ivan Ivanov elaborated: “The documentation submitted by Sofia Municipality—and unfortunately by quite a few other municipalities—is severely lacking in understanding of what the law actually requires. For Sofia’s projects seeking funding under Annex 3 of the State Budget Act, basic key documents are missing. I understand there may be staff shortages or concerns about integrity, but that is not an excuse.”

The ministry has reiterated its readiness to support the municipality in completing the required paperwork—provided there is cooperation and adherence to the law.