site.btaPM Zhelyazkov: Separation of Powers Implies that Executive Branch Cannot Comment Politically on Work of Another

The separation of powers implies that the executive branch cannot comment politically on the work of another branch, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov told reporters in Rome regarding the arrest of Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev.

“I hope that the investigation itself will be based objectively on evidence gathered in the proper manner and, if it reaches the judicial phase, we will have an understanding of the rule of law with a clear judicial act,” the Prime Minister added.

The Mayor of Varna, Blagomir Kotsev, was detained as part of an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission on July 8. In addition to Kotsev, three municipal councillors were also charged with participating in an organized criminal group, soliciting bribes, and exerting pressure to conduct public procurement. Kotsev's lawyer announced on Wednesday that at around 11:30 pm on July 8, a police arrest warrant was served on the Mayor of Varna, and he was taken to a police station. The lawyer specified that the measure would be appealed. The detention is based on a case brought by the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Sofia City Prosecutor's Office.

The order did not explain the reasons and grounds for the detention of the Mayor of Varna, the lawyer added. According to him, despite their requests, they were not given an explanation as to why the mayor had to be detained in July 2025 in a case initiated in 2024.

Om Wednesday evening, protests in support of Blagomir Kotsev were held in Varna and Sofia.