site.btaMedia Review: February 24

No single topic dominates the Bulgarian news media on Tuesday.

POLITICS

24 Chasa publishes an analysis by Prof. Ivan Todorov assessing the relative weight of ministries and regulators in the caretaker government over a three-month horizon. The analysis identifies the Ministries of Energy, Agriculture, Regional Development, Interior, and Finance as the most influential. The assessment is based primarily on institutional resources and powers, the ability to affect change within three to five months, and only then on the personal qualities of the officeholders. The Energy Ministry ranks highly (7.5 points) due to its strategic importance for industry and pricing. Agriculture is also assessed at 7.5 points, reflecting its control over state enterprises and EU funds. Regional development follows with 7 points due to its authority over infrastructure and road agencies. The Interior Ministry is also rated at 7 points as key to organizing fair elections, the main task of a caretaker cabinet, though its effectiveness depends on internal leadership dynamics. The Finance Ministry receives 6.5 points, traditionally central, but somewhat constrained by operating within the existing State Budget. Among regulators, the Commission for Protection of Competition is assigned 6 points for its role in safeguarding competition and reviewing procurement disputes. The Defence and Environment portfolios receive 5.5 points each, reflecting structural importance but limited short-term impact. Energy regulation is similarly rated at 5.5 points. Mid-tier ministries include Economy (5 points) and Transport (4.5). Justice, Healthcare and e-Government Ministries are rated at 4 points each due to institutional constraints and limited short-term reform capacity. Lower-weight portfolios include Education and Foreign Affairs (3.5 points each), Labour and Social Policy, national security structures outside the Interior Ministry (3 points), and Innovation (2.5 points). EU funds coordination roles are rated at 2 points. Culture, Tourism, and Youth and Sports Ministries receive the lowest scores at 1.5 points each due to smaller budgets and narrower mandates. Overall, the analysis concludes that in a short-lived caretaker government, institutional leverage depends primarily on control over resources, administrative authority, and election-related responsibilities rather than long-term policy capacity.

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Trud has a commentary by Prof. Trendafil Mitev analysing the origins of paradoxes in Bulgarian politics. He argues that, unlike in Western democracies, where industrial and financial elites created parties to defend their interests and secure political influence, Bulgaria’s major private wealth emerged from the chaos of post-1989 privatization. These new economic actors acquired significant assets without contributing to political change, revolutionary movements, or the creation of a modern representative system. Political authority instead was shaped by the intellectual elite, led at the time by figures such as philosopher Zhelyu Zhelev, who drafted the democratic constitution. As a result, Bulgaria’s privatization-driven business sector failed to develop strong, independent parties or cultivate a political elite capable of governing effectively. The commentary notes that this has created a persistent cycle in which inexperienced actors repeatedly enter parties with temporary agendas, serving both their own interests and those of invisible backstage powers. This dynamic has contributed to opportunistic politics, public cynicism, and a lack of credible political leadership, leaving voters disillusioned: roughly 60% of citizens no longer participate in elections. Mitev also highlights the role of the intellectual elite, which largely abstains from party politics to avoid public scrutiny, reinforcing the "vicious circle" of political mediocrity. Meanwhile, actors who gained wealth through privatization repeatedly rely on political connections to protect and expand their interests, without creating a stable political framework for the nation. The result is a recurring pattern of short-lived parties, opportunistic politicians, and policy capture by hidden powers, rather than governance based on public accountability. The Professor argues that meaningful reform in Bulgaria requires the emergence of a strong national political union, supported by intellectuals, honest business, and active citizens. Such a union could create durable right- and left-wing parties that genuinely represent societal interests, break the cycle of opportunism, and restore public trust in politics.

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Speaking on the Bulgarian National Television morning programme, BSP–United Left Floor Leader Nataliya Kiselova said that in the past decade, caretaker governments in Bulgaria have increasingly taken on a political profile rather than being purely expert administrations. She noted that the appointment of 28 new regional governors by the newly formed cabinet of caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov and the withdrawal of the proposal to Parliament for a new State Agency for National Security Chair were expected moves, reflecting the government’s prerogatives and the political reality shaped by the 2023 reform. Kiselova said that the initiative of caretaker Justice Minister Andrey Yankulov to convene the Supreme Judicial Council plenary to appoint a new acting prosecutor general aligns with legal norms and should be supported. She also stressed that no changes to the Electoral Code should be made one year before upcoming elections.

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In an interview with the Bulgarian National Radio, Elena Darieva of the Nasoka National Sociological Agency describes the current political climate in Bulgaria as an exceptionally intense campaign, with all players mobilizing every resource and acting rapidly given the short time frame leading up to the April 19 snap parliamentary elections. According to Darieva, the newly sworn-in caretaker government is focused on ensuring fair elections, noting that this commitment is reflected not just in declarations but in concrete actions across its various ministries. She highlighted persistent challenges in the electoral process, including erosion of public trust and difficulties in communication between the Central Election Commission and the caretaker government. Darieva stressed that technology alone cannot guarantee fair elections; the human factor and mutual oversight are critical, and political parties must carefully select their representatives in electoral commissions regardless of technological systems. She also identified justice and the extension of the state budget as other key priorities of the caretaker cabinet. Darieva noted that former president Rumen Radev currently enjoys the highest electoral support, primarily mobilizing anti-status quo voters, though she warned that this support is more emotional than rational, centred on his personal image. She predicted an escalation of provocations and a rising "kompromat war" against him, reflecting parties’ fear of the status quo and acknowledgment of his political strength.

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Speaking on Nova TV’s morning programme, former chair of the Association of Prosecutors in Bulgaria, Vladimir Nikolov, responded to the Association’s official statement sharply distancing itself from him. Nikolov claimed that intermediaries had warned him that speaking against acting Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov would be "suicidal". He described Sarafov as a symptom of a broader problem in the prosecution - "a culture demanding blind obedience to the powerful and the concentration of authority and influence". Nikolov stressed that he had no personal conflict with Sarafov. The former head of the Association said he had been pressured to support Sarafov in the single-candidate selection for prosecutor general. At the time, the association raised a series of questions to Sarafov while respecting the wishes of its members. According to Nikolov, after that, disciplinary proceedings were opened against him as a form of pressure. He criticized Sarafov for commissioning an internal audit of the Association after Nikolov stepped down, calling it an illegitimate action against an independent NGO. Nikolov rejected any suggestion that he had sought political backing or considered candidacy for prosecutor general, insisting he avoided political involvement. The Association’s statement stressed that Nikolov had long been perceived as close to the acting Prosecutor General, deriving influence from that relationship. It deemed unacceptable for him to present himself today as a "fighter against dependencies" without acknowledging his previous conduct.

ECONOMY

Mediapool.bg reports that Nivel Story Ltd officially owned by Velko Ruykov but widely known in the road construction sector as the company of Taki (an alias of the controversial businessman Hristoforos Amanatidis), has become one of Bulgaria’s leading road contractors, securing public procurement contracts totalling around EUR 180 million. The company, originating from the small town of Breznik, gained prominence during the third government of GERB leader Boyko Borissov, working on in-house contracts for the Hemus Motorway (valued at BGN 190 million) and the Vidin–Botevgrad expressway in a consortium with other firms. Its rise was interrupted during the caretaker governments of former President Rumen Radev, Continue the Change leader Kiril Petkov, and Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) co-Floor Leader Nikolay Denkov, when the road sector largely stagnated amid conflicts with authorities. During the caretaker government of Dimitar Glavchev in 2024, Nivel Stroy returned to prominence, winning road maintenance contracts in the regions of Vidin, Kyustendil, Montana, Sliven, Sofia Province, and Yambol. These four-year contracts run until 2028–2029. In the same period, in consortiums, the company secured one of the largest road construction projects in the country: a 3.4 km bypass in Burgas’ Meden Rudnik housing complex, valued at BGN 130 million (EUR 66.7 million), equating to over BGN 38 million per km without VAT. This contributed to a more than threefold increase in the company’s revenues - from nearly BGN 50 million in 2022 to over BGN 179 million in 2024—placing it among the top 10 construction firms in Bulgaria according to the Capital 100 ranking. Nivel Stroy’s growth continued under the government of Rosen Zhelyazkov. In the summer of 2025, its consortium won a EUR 7.5 million contract to repair 5 km of the third-class Archar–Salash road. Its bid was the only one accepted for evaluation, as the four other candidates were disqualified. In February 2026, the Road Infrastructure Agency (RIA) rapidly awarded further contracts for the repair of 53 km of the Kozloduy–Lom road, a key route for the Kozloduy nuclear power plant, splitting the work into two lots: one won by Nivel Stroy for EUR 22.175 million for 23.6 km, the other by GBS-Infrastructure Construction for EUR 18.13 million for 29.2 km, funded by EU regional development programmes.

By February 20, 2026, under the new caretaker government of Andrey Gurov, RIA opened bids for a high-interest tender covering 14 km of third-class roads leading to Sunny Beach in Burgas, attracting 35 offers across two lots. One lot, Orizare–Kableshkovo–Tankovo–Sunny Beach (7.84 km), received 17 bids, with only four admitted to price opening, including Nivel Stroy (EUR 7.5 million), Strabag (EUR 6.6 million), and two joint ventures. The second lot, Karnobat–Burgas–Aheloy (6.5 km), had 18 bids, with four admitted. Despite the opening of bids, by February 23, 2026, the Public Procurement Register lacked evaluation reports or board decisions from RIA Chair Yordan Valchev. The process reflects a new, opaque procurement scheme initiated by the Glavchev caretaker government on October 23, 2024, days before parliamentary elections, covering nine separate lots worth over EUR 1.15 billion for four years, designed for three pre-selected contractors per lot and internal sub-tenders. Each lot envisages up to BGN 250 million (EUR 127 million) over four years, with the possibility of increasing by up to 150% under tender rules. While the caretaker Minister of Regional Development and Public Works, Angelina Boneva’s awareness of these decisions is unclear, the timing and scale suggest strategic use of road contracts ahead of forthcoming elections.

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Duma’s front-page story reads that Bulgarian grain producers have raised concerns over a large import of Argentine sunflower, expected to reach six shipments totalling around 200,000 tonnes, with one vessel already docked. The daily quotes Ilia Prodanov, head of the National Grain Producer Association, who described the quality of the imports as dubious and criticized the pricing as opaque. The sector is calling for increased oversight and detailed testing of the shipments for residual pesticides, heavy metals, and GMOs, noting that genetically modified crops are permitted in South America. Prodanov expressed doubts about the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency’s ability to conduct reliable inspections, while Agriculture Minister Ivan Hristanov has moved to replace its leadership.

On Nova TV’s morning programme, Prodanov explained the economic pressure this import wave is placing on Bulgarian farmers. According to him, in just the past 10 days, sunflower prices in Bulgaria and Romania have fallen by roughly 10%. He emphasized that imports from South America on this scale are unprecedented for Bulgaria. "Bulgarian warehouses currently hold about 600,000 tonnes of domestic sunflower," he said, adding that the incoming Argentine shipments represent roughly one-sixth to one-seventh of the country’s annual production but are arriving within a very short window, around 15 days, causing a shock to the domestic market. Prodanov and other industry representatives also criticized the lack of consultation regarding Bulgaria’s position on the Mercosur agreement. They argue that neither the agricultural sector nor the public was properly informed, and that the data used in forming the state’s position does not reflect the realities of such imports. Grain producers are calling for a review of protective mechanisms, noting that sunflower is currently not treated as a protected crop against this type of competition.

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Sega.bg reports that due to the euro introduction, cash payments in Bulgaria continue to decline as card and electronic transactions rise, even in traditionally cash-heavy sectors like home repairs, auto services, and markets. According to BORICA, December 2025, the busiest month of the year, saw 57.2 million card transactions, up 11% from December 2024, totalling EUR 3.4 billion, a 14% increase. Nearly half of these transactions occurred in supermarkets and other retail outlets, with an average payment of EUR 21, indicating growing use of cards for everyday purchases. Utility payments by card surged 64% in number and 113% in total value, while payments in medical facilities increased 30% by value. Entertainment spending, concerts, restaurants, cinemas - led annual growth at 24%. Physical POS terminals accounted for 75% of card transactions and 39% of total volume (EUR 1.322 billion), mostly covering daily consumption, with an average transaction of EUR 30.6. Online POS transactions grew 14% in number and 16% in volume (EUR 426 million), with an average transaction of EUR 56.5, reflecting higher-value purchases like electronics, clothing, and home goods. ATM withdrawals fell 7% in number and 5% in volume (EUR 1.18 billion) but still represented 35% of card transaction volume. December also saw a notable spike in cash deposits at ATMs with deposit functions, up 34% in number and 85% in volume (EUR 471 million), as businesses and citizens deposited leftover leva ahead of the euro’s official introduction on January 1, 2026. BORICA explains that this increase reflects year-end financial closures and the convenience of 24/7 ATM deposits, with an average deposit of EUR 846, significantly higher than typical card transactions. The report highlights that euro adoption is accelerating the shift toward cashless payments, helping both consumers and merchants navigate the transition and reduce handling of physical cash.

SOCIETY

24 Chasa’s front-page story reads that in one quarter of Bulgaria the average pension has exceeded BGN 1,000, while 941,155 retirees still receive the minimum pension, according to the National Social Security Institute’s 2025 Pensions statistical bulletin. In 2025, nearly half of Bulgaria’s 2,066,834 retirees received the minimum pension, including 499,911 who met the full service and age criteria. Pension expenditures totalled just over BGN 24 billion in 2025. The average pension increased by BGN 93.88 year-on-year to BGN 976.90. Men receive an average of BGN 1,084.60, compared with BGN 903.31 for women. The total number of pensions paid rose to 2,077,079 in 2025, up from 2,063,480 a year earlier.

The average disability pension remains significantly lower at BGN 709.87, though it is highest in Sofia at BGN 1,193.25. In addition to the capital, average pensions exceeded BGN 1,000 in six regions: Burgas, Varna, Kyustendil, Pernik, Sofia Region, and Stara Zagora. The number of new disability pensioners continues to rise. In 2025, they totalled 50,387, nearly matching the 50,572 newly retired on full service and age pensions. Overall, one in three pensioners in Bulgaria receives a disability pension, or 484,250 people, with spending exceeding BGN 4.5 billion. The largest group has disability assessments between 50% and 71% (194,814 people). More people are opting for early retirement or retiring without the required length of service. Only 26,456 new retirees met both service and age criteria. Over 13,000 had reached age 67 but lacked sufficient service. Another 8,725 chose early retirement of up to one year with a lifelong reduced pension, which is cut by 0.4% per month under the Social Security Code. Retirements in the most demanding occupational categories remain rare. Just 46 people retired under first-category labour conditions in 2025, and 58 under second-category conditions. Meanwhile, 29,178 retirees accumulated service entirely in third-category jobs, while 21,427 had mixed service across categories.

Trud also covers the topic, reporting that the rising share of disability-related pensions reflects a methodology change introduced in 2023 for assessing permanently reduced working capacity. The new formula aggregates multiple impairments, adding 20% of accompanying conditions to the most severe disability, making eligibility more favourable for people with several health conditions. Disability pensions accounted for about 35% of new pensions in 2023, over 40% in 2024, and 46% in 2025 (50.6% including social disability pensions). The high share of new disability pensions is also driven by newly granted inherited disability pensions (9,356 cases), while inherited old-age pensions remain far fewer. The daily explains that men receive on average more than 20% higher pensions than women, reflecting sectoral wage differences, with higher-paying fields such as mining, police, and the military employing more men, and lower-paying sectors such as the garment industry employing more women.

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Telegraph leads with a report warning that Bulgaria is a "black hole" for children at risk, as schools are often reluctant to report concerns and social services are overloaded, leaving many teenagers, especially from wealthier families, without adequate attention. The daily’s investigation was prompted by the tragic Petrohan case, in which a child was shot after being deregistered from school and placed in the care of National Protected Areas Control Agency head Ivaylo Kalushev. European experience shows that oversight and support for families with irregularly attending children typically falls on educational institutions, which may impose fines or even criminal liability for parents. In Bulgaria, specialists note, existing laws already define children at risk, including those from high-income families whose absences signal neglect, a form of child abuse, but the system cannot cope due to a shortage of qualified staff and an accumulation of severe cases. Experts highlight several challenges: schools and teachers often fail to report concerns due to fear of interfering in family matters, potential backlash from parents, communities, or colleagues, and lack of training in recognizing abuse or neglect. Overburdened social services, often staffed with poorly paid employees holding only secondary education and lacking basic resources, cannot respond to every reported case.

Telegraph cites Blagorodna Makeva, former deputy director of the General Directorate for National Police and UNICEF consultant, who explains that formalistic approaches carry risks for children. Evgeniya Toneva from the Know-how Centre for Alternative Care for Children at New Bulgarian University, with over a decade of experience in child protection, adds that the workload of social services prevents timely interventions, especially when children are deregistered from school at parental request. Experts also note that schools legally can appoint social workers to assess risk, but this is rarely implemented. Vice principals responsible for administrative issues are often the only school contacts for social services.