site.btaSofia Records Tangible Progress in 2025 Despite Challenges, Mayor Terziev Tells BTA

Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev described 2025 as a challenging but successful year, marked by tangible progress across multiple sectors, in an interview with the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Terziev said the municipal administration focused on delivering solutions rather than dwelling on inherited problems. He highlighted achievements in education, transport, urban infrastructure, utilities, green spaces and civic participation, stressing that politicians are elected to solve problems, not to complain.

In education, more than 1,000 new kindergarten places were opened in 2025, with a further 1,500 planned. Fifteen kindergartens are under construction, nine are set to start, and ten are in the design phase. Progress was also made on school infrastructure, including projects to expand classrooms, renovate schoolyards and reduce double-shift schooling.

Transport and infrastructure were among the city’s main priorities. Ten metro stations are currently under construction, with additional stations in the design and planning stages, including extensions towards Studentski Grad and Lyulin boroughs. Key road projects were completed or advanced, including Bakrena Fabrika bridge, Opalchenska Street, Stamboliyski Boulevard and a new two-kilometre extension of Rozhen Boulevard, significantly improving connectivity in northern Sofia. Preparations were completed for major boulevard renovations scheduled for 2026.

In the water and sewerage sector, Sofia prepared projects worth over BGN 150 million under the Environment Programme 2021–2027 to expand sewerage networks in eight districts, aiming to connect 31,000 residents by 2029. The long-delayed sewerage project in the Dragalevtsi borough was completed, with construction in the borough of Simeonovo set to begin next year.

The city laid 110,000 sq m of road markings in 2025, which is double the previous year’s, and renewed markings around 385 schools and kindergartens to improve road safety. A model for public-private partnerships for parking facilities was also developed, with projects for nine car parks ready and more in preparation. Similar partnerships are planned for sports facilities.

Terziev said Sofia made progress on green infrastructure, including new parks in Mladost and Lyulin boroughs, Kukuryak Park, as well as preparatory work on the “Green City Ring,” with construction expected to begin by the end of 2026. Efforts related to Vitosha Mountain included planning buffer parking, lift projects, improved trails, signage, and programmes encouraging children’s access to nature, though coordination with state institutions remains necessary.

Urban environment improvements included renovated underpasses, expanded public lighting - 35% of lighting fixtures replaced citywide - and a record 200,000 sq m of refurbished sidewalks. Over 72% of projects were completed or under way under the Ideas for the City civic budget initiative, with record participation by residents.

Addressing criticism over staff turnover, Terziev said his goal was to build a resilient, well-functioning administration in which no individual is indispensible. He acknowledged mistakes but said they were treated as lessons rather than failures, part of a broader effort to change administrative culture.

Looking ahead to 2026, Terziev identified key goals including resolving long-standing issues around access to Vitosha Mountain (near Sofia), launching a comprehensive analysis of the Toplofikatsiya Sofia district heating company, advancing major infrastructure and transport projects, expanding digitalisation, and renewing public transport fleets.

On the budget outlook, he warned of uncertainty due to the lack of a regular state budget and a funding gap of nearly BGN 140 million in public transport, calling for stronger state engagement while noting Sofia does not rely on central government support.

Terziev wished Sofia residents health, optimism and unity, saying collective effort and a focus on the future are essential to building a better city for current and future generations.