site.btaMedia Review: April 28

RUN-UP TO NEW LEGISLATURE AND CABINET

On Bulgarian National Radio political analyst and lecturer Stoycho Stoychev commented on the election results and made forecasts about the governance of Progressive Bulgaria, stressing that the direction and actions of the new ruling parties will become clear from their first steps.

“GERB suffered electoral losses, while for Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) there was an unfulfilled victory, with expectations for a better result and participation in the next government. These processes are normal and could either be overcome or might not occur at all. I believe in the latter alternative, because for many years there have been predictions about splits within GERB that never materialized.

Within CC–DB, unless there is a destructive factor, many blame Asen Vasilev, but beyond such speculation, no one in the coalition or among its voters sees splitting into two parliamentary groups as a better option than remaining united. Running together largely resolved long-standing dilemmas and internal conflicts among voters about whom to support between the two entities. This used to be an ongoing issue until a few years ago. In 2017, neither of the two entities - Democrats for a Strong Bulgaria and Yes, Bulgaria! - managed to enter parliament,” Stoychev recalled.

Regarding the clientele circles surrounding each party, he said: “Regarding this clientele that supported GERB even when it was no longer the leading force, there are various assessments suggesting that some of it is shifting toward Progressive Bulgaria. This is evidently the case particularly in Northeastern Bulgaria and possibly in Stara Zagora as well. More broadly, in Eastern Bulgaria, if mayors and their spheres of influence in the municipalities they govern begin to break away, we could say that a certain process is underway. However, how sustainable it is will become clear next year during the local elections.

But we should also see how governance begins, especially regarding the transfers and municipal projects that are not being implemented because the state budget is not allocating funding. If the new administration starts restricting these transfers, opposition against it will pick up. Many people think in practical, everyday terms - they tend to support whoever can provide their livelihood.”

According to Stoychev, it is important what could potentially tempt Rumen Radev.

“If the government engages in stronger pressure on local authorities, we will have a new situation. In the 2001 presidential elections, National Movement Simeon II won the parliamentary elections in the summer, and people expected a showdown between Petar Stoyanov and Stefan Sofiyanski in the presidential race. However, it turned out that the third party, the Bulgarian Socialist Party, despite being electorally defeated, produced the president and thus began the era of Georgi Parvanov. It would not be surprising if GERB, despite this loss, manages to win by putting forward a candidate, winning the presidential elections, and changing the situation.”

Regarding the expected deep reforms and restructuring in the judicial system, Stoycho Stoychev said:

“The very priority of “justice” is too commonplace. Everyone fights for justice. But the problem is that what is justice in the eyes of some is injustice in the eyes of others.”

2026 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

With Bulgaria set to hold presidential elections in the fall of 2026, Arman Babikyan from the Forum for Democratic Action said on Bulgarian National Radio that if she were to run, incumbent President Iliana Iotova will carry both the positives and negatives of a cabinet under Rumen Radev. “A reasonable and rational approach is needed. First, the preferences of the Bulgarian public should be assessed to determine what kind of president people are looking for, and then candidates within the democratic community should be selected.”

“At least one sociological survey is needed to determine what Bulgarians are looking for. We need to understand who or what this presidential candidate will be running against or for.

All citizens can nominate candidates through the representation of civic committees. It is a matter of basic organization and political will on the part of political forces to participate in this process.”

Babikyan believes that support for the democratic community is much greater than what was reflected in the ballots in the last elections, attributing this to a “lack of proper political engineering.”

He attributed the disagreements within Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria to long-standing processes rather than to a dispute over a single parliamentary seat.

Babikyan also commented on the nomination of Andrey Gurov, put forward by Continue the Change, as a possible unifying figure after Nikolay Denkov, Deputy Chairman of Continue the Change and MP from its coalition with Democratic Bulgaria, CC-DB, said that Andrey Gurov is currently the leading name among the bloc's potential presidential candidates.

“The only figure who really comes across well on screen and could prove useful in solving this task. I am convinced there are other individuals who, with their qualities, could offer an alternative, but this is not directed against Gurov. Clinging exclusively to one person, who has been a caretaker prime minister for three months, looks like a rather unfortunate situation.”

“Mrs. Iotova is in an extremely delicate position to carry the positives and negatives of the governance of a future cabinet of Rumen Radev. Everyone sees a direct connection.”

Babikyan noted that the democratic community should observe these processes and try to pool its resources.

“This election will be held between two individuals, not between 200 parties. What matters is what you stand behind with your candidacy, what kind of Bulgaria you are offering.”

He added that the number of parties signing agreements for joint action is growing.

“If someone insists on leading the process, let it be the candidate themselves, once it is decided who that will be, and not a political party.”

NEW ENERGY COMPENSATION SCHEME INVOLVES DECARBONIZATION COMMITMENTS

Capital.bg writes that energy-intensive businesses are expecting the launch of a new electricity compensation mechanism in May. After approval from Brussels, the state is introducing a more transparent scheme with a budget of EUR 334 million, which includes retroactive payments and mandatory investments in decarbonization. Despite stricter control and more targeted aid, the model remains reactive and does not solve the industry’s main problem—lack of a predictable price and a long-term horizon for energy sustainability.

After Bulgaria received the green light from Brussels on April 16 for the new electricity compensation model for energy-intensive enterprises, on April 27 the caretaker government published proposed changes to the scheme’s documents for public consultation. The deadline for this is May 11, which means the compensation mechanism could be approved at the cabinet meeting on May 13 and enter into force.

The aid scheme was initially introduced by the Zhelyazkov government in the autumn of 2025, but its actual implementation depended on approval by the European Commission, since it effectively constitutes state aid for certain companies.

The scheme covers three consecutive pricing periods starting from July 1, 2025 (with compensation also paid retroactively for already consumed electricity), with a total indicative budget of EUR 334 million, of which EUR 124 million is allocated for the first period until June 30, 2026.

The aid will be provided through electricity suppliers, meaning it will appear as a reduction in the invoice amount rather than as a separate transfer to the enterprise. The support covers up to 50% of eligible electricity consumption and will amount to covering up to 50% of the average price of the day-ahead segment on the electricity exchange, but without allowing the actual price for the company to fall below EUR 63.91 per megawatt-hour.

As part of this support, there is also a key condition: at least 50% of the received compensation must be invested in decarbonization measures and in reducing the costs of the electricity system. These investments must become operational within 48 months.

This is important because it distinguishes this model from previous compensation schemes, which were granted to all non-household consumers. In return for public resources, there is now a reciprocal commitment. The state expects part of the aid to be reinvested into new assets—renewable energy sources, storage, flexible electrification, demand management, and energy efficiency.

PROSECUTION PROBES ALLEGED BRIBES IN JUDICIARY

Mediapool.bg writes that the prosecution has opened proceedings following a complaint by Yes, Bulgaria party over possible abuses of power at the Supreme Administrative Court (SAC). The complaint was filed last week after the investigative website Bird.bg published recordings in which a voice resembling that of former court president Georgi Cholakov can be heard discussing “money in bags” and institutional action related to court cases with another man.

According to Bird.bg, there is a possibility that the other man is lawyer Veselin Dimitrov. The quality of the recordings is poor, but two men can be heard talking about money and cases involving the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency. The conversation includes details pointing to the scandals surrounding the Kapitan Andreevo border crossing and the company EuroLab 2011.

In July 2022, SAC finally ruled that the company EuroLab 2011, which had been at the centre of a series of scandals at the Kapitan Andreevo border crossing, should take over the unloading of trucks carrying fruits and vegetables. The decision in favor of EuroLab 2011 was made by a judicial panel, chaired by SAC president Georgi Cholakov.

At the time, the Court issued a statement explaining that its president, Georgi Cholakov, happened to be assigned to rule on all three cases that reinstated the company EuroLab 2011 at the Kapitan Andreevo border checkpoint.

The prosecution will probe circumstances related to the possible use of official position for obtaining unlawful benefit. Witnesses will be questioned, relevant reports and documents will be collected, and an expert analysis will be appointed to determine whether the recordings are authentic.

BULGARIA – EU AFFAIRS

Last week, Bulgaria has requested from the European Commission a postponement of the deadline for implementing two key milestones under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, said Maciej Berestecki, spokesperson for the European Commission, in an interview with Bulgarian National Television.

The issue concerns the establishment of a functioning anti-corruption body, which led to the suspension of over EUR 360 million from the second and third payments under the plan. Brussels is currently reviewing Sofia’s request.

The first key milestone is related to the creation of a politically independent anti-corruption body. According to the proposed change, the implementation of this milestone could be moved from the second to the fourth payment request. The second milestone concerns the start of its operations. The request is for this to be moved from the third to the fifth payment, Berestecki said.

“We must acknowledge that Bulgaria has already taken credible steps to ensure the implementation of these key milestones. On April 16, the caretaker government approved a revised draft law on the Anti-Corruption Commission, which could resolve the issue with the suspended funds. What we will now do is assess the proposed changes to the Recovery Plan and prepare a decision, which will then be submitted to the Council,” the European Commission said.

FUEL PRICES

Sega.bg writes that Bulgaria has some of the lowest fuel prices in Europe, but also the steepest price increases following the escalation of the military conflict in the Middle East.

After the strikes against Iran at the end of February 2026 and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz, fuel prices in the European Union increased on average by 12%, while diesel rose by 26%.

In Bulgaria, the price of diesel has risen by 43% - the highest increase in the European Union. This places the country first in terms of the rate of increase for this type of fuel.

For petrol, Bulgaria is also among the countries with the largest increases, with a rise of 22%, similar to Belgium and the Czech Republic.

By comparison, among the major EU economies, France reports an 18% increase in petrol and 36% in diesel, Germany shows 15% and 23%, Italy 7% and 24%, and Spain only 3% for petrol but 27% for diesel.

Despite the sharp increases, Bulgaria remains among the countries with the lowest petrol prices in Europe. According to comparative data as of April 20, 2026, a liter of gasoline in Bulgaria costs around EUR 1.47 on average, placing the country third among the cheapest, after Malta and Poland. By comparison, prices reach EUR 2.28 per liter in the Netherlands, EUR 2.11 in Germany, and exceed EUR 2 in France and Greece.

For diesel, at EUR 1.79 per liter, Bulgaria also remains below the European average levels despite the strong increase. The gap with the most expensive markets is significant - prices reach EUR 2.30 per liter in the Netherlands, EUR 2.24 in France, and EUR 2.13 in Germany.