site.btaMedia Review: May 13

THE HEADLINES

The euro referendum dominated the headlines. Trud, 24 Chasa, Duma and Dnevnik lead with the clash over President Rumen Radev’s call for a 2026-euro referendum: GERB-UDF, CC-DB, BSP – United Left, Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) – New Beginning  and Movement for Rights and Freedoms – Democracy, Rights and Freedoms (MRF-DRF) brand the initiative “unconstitutional” and map tactics either to vote it down or have National Assembly Chair Nataliya Kiselova return it unread, while Dnevnik details both scenarios. Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov and constitutional experts warn the vote could derail the 4 June convergence report, and 24 Chasa cites Brussels sources who say delay may “stop the procedure” for adopting the single currency. Against this backdrop CC-DB tables a declaration to reaffirm entry on 1 January 2026 and denounce any attempt to stall Bulgaria’s euro-zone path, underscoring that the referendum dispute dominates today’s front pages.

POLITICS

Trud and 24 Chasa write that the GERB-UDF parliamentary group says, "the proposal for a referendum on the euro violates the Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria, European Union law and the Direct Participation of Citizens Act and must be returned to President Rumen Radev." GERB-UDF MPs insist that National Assembly Chair Nataliya Kiselova send the request back, warning that any act delaying or adding conditions to euro adoption breaches loyal cooperation with the EU and is unconstitutional, the group notes.

The party recalls that Bulgaria’s EU Accession Treaty, ratified on May 11, 2005 with 231 votes in favour, binds the country to adopt the euro once the EU Council confirms that the convergence criteria are fulfilled. The group adds that they consider Radev’s proposal is outside the National Assembly’s competence; the issue rests solely with the European Council once the convergence criteria are fulfilled.

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Trud also writes that the coalition Continue the Change–Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) submits a draft declaration urging the National Assembly to confirm Bulgaria’s entry into the eurozone on January 1, 2026, reaffirming previous parliamentary decisions and promising to proceed once the European Commission and the European Central Bank issue a positive convergence verdict on June 4, 2025. The coalition brands President Rumen Radev’s referendum initiative a “badly written populist manifesto, without a single legal argument,” saying “its aim is transparent — to sabotage the country’s entry into the eurozone” and vows not to “become accomplices to institutional chaos.”

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Trud also writes that Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov urges the National Assembly to block President Rumen Radev’s “unconstitutional” euro-referendum proposal and calls on Radev to rethink it. Recalling that Bulgaria’s EU Accession Treaty was ratified twenty years ago with 231 votes, Zhelyazkov cites constitutional and referendum-law clauses barring a referendum on the currency and warns: “The aim is to sow serious doubt in the EU and delay the June convergence report; the next one is in December, which could keep Bulgaria out of the eurozone in 2026.”

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Trud covers constitutional lawyer Borislav Tzekov’s appearance on Nova TV, where he calls President Rumen Radev’s motives for a euro referendum “legally unfounded and politically mediocre” and warns it would “turn Bulgaria’s clock back.” Tzekov recalls that the EU Accession Treaty is ratified in 2005 with 231 votes, argues a referendum breaches EU law because the deadline rests solely on meeting convergence criteria, and explains that parliamentary committees must first review the proposal, the plenary must then decide, and although Radev may contest a rejection before the Constitutional Court, he “doubts such an appeal would succeed”.

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Dnevnik writes that the National Assembly readies two fallback strategies to block President Rumen Radev’s euro-referendum request, which he describes as a “test of the democratic character of the National Assembly” that “will reveal who upholds the principles of democracy and who denies Bulgarians the right to determine their own future ”.

Scenario one puts the motion to a vote and defeats it with the combined 150 votes of GERB-UDF, Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB), Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF)-New Beginning and BSP, a tally that may rise to 169 if Ahmed Dogan’s Movement for Rights and Freedoms – Democracy, Rights and Freedoms (MRF – DRF) confirms its stance on Tuesday; MPs warn, however, that pro-referendum parties Vazrazhdane, Velichie, MECh hold enough signatures to ask the Constitutional Court, which could stall the 4 June convergence report. Scenario two, favoured by some in the ruling bloc, keeps the issue off the House agenda altogether: National Assembly Chair Nataliya Kiselova may return the proposal as unconstitutional, because, as one MP argues, “ You cannot refer a matter to the Constitutional Court regarding something that does not exist.”

Behind the scenes politicians debate Radev’s motives—“Accumulation of support for the future political project ”, outside pressure, or a bid to destabilize the cabinet amid the Botash gas-deal controversy—yet most agree that the move endangers euro-zone entry. CC–DB’s Atanas Atanassov tables a declaration for the chamber to “confirm the unwavering commitment” to adopt the euro on 1 January 2026 and reject any attempt to derail that priority.

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24 Chasa reports that GERB MP and lawyer Raya Nazaryan calls the proposal “inadmissible” and asks Chair of the National Assembly Nataliya Kiselova to return it to Radev; Kiselova, herself a constitutional lawyer, also deems it unlawful. Rough vote counts show the project lacks about fifty deputies, as GERB, CC-DB, MRF – New Beginning and Ahmed Dogan’s MRF – DRF, together holding 150 seats, oppose it, while BSP – United Left signals a mixed stance and There Is Such a People (TISP) backs referendums in principle. Analysts argue Radev aims to unsettle the ruling coalition, while the loudest supporters of a referendum are Vazrazhdane, Morality, Unity, Honour (MECh) and Velichie (Grandeur). Radev, meanwhile, issues a decree to release his legal secretary Krum Zarkov, following Zarkov's resignation over the “illegal referendum” plan.

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24 Chasa and Telegraph write that, according to Nova TV’s unnamed Brussels sources, EU officials unofficially warn Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova that it can halt Bulgaria’s transition to the euro if President Radev’s referendum bid stalls the timetable. GERB-UDF considers blocking the initiative outright by urging National Assembly Chair Nataliya Kiselova to return it to the head of state as inadmissible, arguing that a vote followed by a possible Constitutional Court challenge would cause “serious delay” and, as Brussels warns, “stop the procedure for adopting the single currency.”

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Duma writes that BSP – United Left says it will not back President Rumen Radev’s euro-referendum request, arguing the Constitutional Court has already ruled the topic out of bounds. "It is not a matter of agreeing with the issue—the Constitutional Court has delivered its decision," says MEP Kristian Vigenin, while deputy floor leader Atanas Atanasov questions Radev’s change of stance and recalls BSP’s own referendum initiatives.

Executive Bureau member Zhelyo Boychev warns “It is very easy to follow the path of populism,” recalling that the party drafted the Referendum Act but “we must maintain a clear awareness of the laws and regulations in force within our country.” BSP – United Left says it will keep talking with citizens about eurozone entry. The party leadership adds it will continue holding meetings with citizens about Bulgaria’s entry into the eurozone.

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Bulgarian National Radio (BNR), bTV, BNT and Nova TV reported on Tuesday morning that Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova told journalists in Brussels she had assured EU institutions the euro’s adoption on 1 January 2026 “remained a key priority” and that Bulgaria “moves forward with confidence towards its realization, regardless of all circumstances.” Petkova said that “despite the President's attempts to divert the country,” the government would continue active work toward euro-zone entry; she noted the next milestone would be the convergence reports expected in early June, while EU officials confirmed the timetable. Unofficially, the Council of the EU was expected to endorse Bulgaria’s convergence assessment on 20 June.

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BNR also reported that political scientist Georgi Prodanov said the political cycle that “began with the president’s raised fist should end with dismantling the system that produced him.” He noted there were no formal grounds for impeachment—“in practice, he has not broken the law.”—but questioned “whether the pro-European advocates in Parliament are sincere,” arguing that their failure to mount a clear information campaign on the euro left space for conspiracy claims about “the digital euro” and stolen pensions. Prodanov warned the referendum move had deepened social rifts, likening the moment to “what triggered the upheaval in Ukraine ten years ago,” and said the president’s actions fitted Russia’s long-running hybrid war against Bulgaria, exploiting an audience “highly susceptible to anti-European and anti-government propaganda.”

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Bulgarian National Television (BNT) reported that Education Minister Krasimir Valchev denied claims that “Brussels warned Bulgaria it might halt the euro-adoption procedure.” In a morning show, Valchev said the government remained committed to the January 1, 2026 target.

Valchev also explained that the planned school subject Religion and Virtues would replace some elective hours in the early grades, emphasized it would be optional and “a class in doing good,” not mandatory religious instruction, and argued the course aimed to strengthen education’s formative role and build a “more harmonious society.”

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BNT reported that CC-DB MP Martin Dimitrov said in a morning show that the president’s referendum initiative “ is an act of sabotage an act of sabotage against Bulgaria’s accession to the Eurozone,” noting the timing, “20 days before the release of the Convergence Report.” Dimitrov said Radev knew a vote could not precede either the report or the ensuing EU decision and therefore aimed to block the process, adding the move was unconstitutional. He recalled that Radev’s legal adviser had resigned and that 40 lecturers had also said a referendum on the euro was impermissible. Dimitrov insisted referendums must be lawful, added CC-DB had tabled a declaration for euro adoption on 1 January 2026, and criticized the late information campaign, arguing that price comparisons from recent euro entrants should show Bulgarians that the price of basic goods has not risen. He warned that if Bulgaria missed this window, "it is uncertain when the country will have this opportunity again."

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Nova TV reported that constitutional law professor Ekaterina Mihaylova said the president’s motives for a euro-referendum contained “no legal, only emotional arguments” and argued the referendum was “categorically unconstitutional.” She explained that if National Assembly Chair Nataliya Kiselova deemed the proposal inadmissible and returned it, “the president would have nothing to send to the Constitutional Court,” because the Court reviews only adopted parliamentary acts. Mihaylova added that Bulgaria had already bound itself by treaty and constitutional amendments to complete euro adoption, and a state that failed to honour such obligations “cannot be regarded as a serious member” of the EU.

ECONOMY

24 Chasa and Mediapool report that Parliament has once again delayed the full liberalization of household electricity prices. Lawmakers are still deciding whether the postponement should be for two, four, five, or even eight years. However, they point out that if citizens are not ready for a free market, the law can be changed again. The newspaper notes that, despite this delay, wholesale liberalization for residential customers will begin on July 1 — a change that Brussels has connected to the next Recovery Plan payment. From that date, the National Electricity Company will no longer act as the public supplier. Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant, NEC’s large hydropower facilities, and Maritsa East 1 thermal power plant will sell their electricity on the power exchange, while the regional supply companies—Electrohold, EVN, and Energo-Pro—will purchase from the same market.

A working group at the Energy Ministry is developing a dedicated platform within the exchange, where suppliers will post the volumes they need and producers will offer long-term contracts of 3, 6, or 12 months. Industry sources expect that most household electricity will be traded on this platform but point out that “free-market deals do not have mandatory quotas.” Supply companies are concerned about liquidity: the time between paying the exchange and receiving payments from customers and state compensation could extend up to forty-five days, potentially costing up to BGN 800 million in February. To address this, the draft law includes a one-month grace period for settlements.

From July, household electricity tariffs are expected to increase by about 1–4%. The Energy and Water Regulatory Commission will confirm the final figure before submitting its report to Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov, who will then propose a retail price cap to the cabinet. The difference between the capped retail price and the wholesale price will be covered by the Electricity System Security Fund, following the same compensation model currently used for businesses. Experts cited by the daily say that this protection should continue until market prices in the Balkans align and the government clearly defines energy-poor and vulnerable consumers.

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Duma reports that an Institute for Market Economics analysis of National Statistical Institute data shows poverty in Bulgaria rises to 21.7% of the population in 2024. Key risk factors are unemployment, low education, large families, older age and ethnicity. Almost 46% of households—about three million people—cannot meet unexpected expenses such as urgent home or car repairs or medical costs; 41% cannot afford a week’s holiday, 39% cannot replace worn furniture and 19% struggle to heat their homes. One in five adults over 16 finds it hard to buy clothes or shoes and lacks even a small sum for personal needs. Although material deprivation among children falls slightly, 23% still miss out on holidays, 21% lack outdoor play equipment and 19% cannot attend regular extracurricular activities; around one in ten lacks new clothes, a second pair of shoes, daily meat-based meals or celebration of special occasions.

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Telegraph reports that representatives of the beekeeping sector convene to discuss urgent measures after statistics indicate 80–90% bee mortality in some regions, a level they say endangers food security, biodiversity and crop pollination nationwide. The organization Association for Affordable and Quality Food also raises the separate but pressing issue of counterfeit honey, which it warns has resurged this year.

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Sega.bg writes that the recent nationwide collapse of two mobile networks once again exposes how weak Bulgaria’s regulators are: the Communications Regulation Commission (CRC) merely tells operators to “inform the users in a timely manner,” while promised compensation amounts to "turn a blind eye and let me spin you a yarn" bonus minutes and data that most subscribers do not need. The three mobile companies already dominate a virtually monopolistic market, use identical price-indexation tactics and binding packages, and face only token fines from the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC), which long preferred a “soft touch.”

Despite ignoring a CPC order to freeze prices, the operators draw no serious penalties—indeed, they are in line for nearly BGN 500 million in Recovery Plan grants to build 5G fibre links. Sega.bg concludes that, with both the CRC and the CPC shielding the industry, consumers have no real choice and no defender against rising bills and repeated service failures.

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Mediapool.bg writes that the two international-backed consortia excluded from Bulgartransgaz's cancelled tender for drilling six new production wells at the Chiren gas storage file complaints with the Competition Protection Commission. Divicom Texas Drilling 2025 – 30% owned by SA.I.E., a company linked to energy businessman Hristo Kovachki, and Energico Houston Drilling, tied to former Bulgartransgaz director Ivan Drenovichki, contest their elimination; The all-Bulgarian bidder “Prouchvane i Dobiv na Neft i Gaz,” which made the highest offer, has not lodged an appeal. Bulgartransgaz rejected all three candidates due to technical or pricing reasons and cancelled the procedure. If the antitrust authority initiates an investigation, the operator will have to wait for a final decision, causing another delay to the project aimed at increasing Chiren's capacity to 1 billion cubic meters. This project was already postponed last October when the earlier contract with Glavbolgarstroy was cancelled.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Trud, 24 Chasa, Telegraph, Sega.bg, Mediapool.bg and Dnevnik report that the Central Criminal Court in London sentences Bulgarians Orlin Roussev, Biser Dzhambazov, Katrin Ivanova, Tihomir Ivanchev, Vanya Gaberova and Ivan Stoyanov to a total of 39 years, 10 months and three weeks’ imprisonment for carrying out six paid espionage missions for Russian intelligence across Europe between 2020 and 2023; Roussev receives 10 years and eight months as ringleader, Dzhambazov 10 years and two months, Ivanova nine years and eight months, Ivanchev eight years, Gaberova six years and eight months, and Stoyanov five years and three weeks, while the group may appeal or seek deportation to Bulgaria after serving half their terms.

Judge Nicholas Hilliard describes how the group, acting for payment, monitors people and sites in the United Kingdom, Austria, Spain, Germany and Montenegro on instructions from Austrian Jan Marsalek, currently in Russia. Rusev, Djambazov and Stoyanov plead guilty early in the 2024 trial, while Ivanova, Gaberova and Ivanchev claim they are unwitting participants.

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Trud writes that Interior Minister Daniel Mitov says migrant pressure on Bulgaria’s borders falls sharply compared with 2023 and 2024, though warmer weather will likely raise attempts at illegal crossings. “Border Police preparation is at a very high level. New equipment is purchased, much of it under European programmes, and construction of a radar system has begun,” Mitov says in Burgas. He adds that video-surveillance networks are being expanded and that about 160 Frontex officers, alongside contingents from Romania, Austria and Hungary, patrol the frontier: “The calm of our border ensures calm in the Schengen area,” the minister says.

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Trud, Sega.bg and Dnevnik report that three young men, two from Vratsa and one from the nearby village of Bardarski Geran, have been arrested in a joint operation by the State Agency for National Security and the cybercrime unit, coordinated by the Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office with support from Europol. According to investigators, the three are accused of spreading neo-Nazi, racist, and xenophobic ideas on social media, inciting violence, recruiting for paramilitary groups, and communicating with an organization listed on terrorism registers in Europe, Australia, and the United States. They are also suspected of carrying out a recent two-hour cyberattack that disabled the websites of the Customs Agency, National Revenue Agency, and the Ministry of e-Government. Neighbours say that one of the suspects takes care of his younger brother after their father’s death, while their mother works shifts as an orderly.

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Trud and Duma write that ABV leader Rumen Petkov tells the Council of Rectors that “illegal gambling is one of the gravest scourges of our time and one of the most advanced forms of organized crime.” He notes that “the UN estimates revenues from illegal gambling at USD 7 trillion last year,” a figure he says links the trade to narcotics trafficking, human smuggling and political influence, and warns, “access to these platforms is unrestricted, especially for minors; the EU’s long silence is dangerous.” Petkov adds that more than 40 000 Bulgarians self-register as gambling addicts in 2024, over 90% of them in the underground sector.

Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov calls addictions “one of the most serious challenges of our time,” adding, “we cannot cope with repression alone; education and full institutional engagement are necessary.” Deputy Interior Minister Filip Popov says, “we see young people committing crimes to finance their habit, from petty theft to serious offences,” and presses for EU-wide tools to block illegal sites and trace cash flows. Council of Rectors chair Milena Temelkova stresses that universities must prepare future police officers, prosecutors and cyber-specialists, proposing a national cyber-crime simulator “so we can train staff to handle the real challenges facing Bulgarian society.”

HEALTHCARE

Trud writes that the Health Ministry proposes changes to Ordinance № 28 to prevent the misuse of non-prescription drugs sold through pharmacy vending machines. Under the proposal, pack sizes will be restricted to a single blister: up to 12 tablets for paracetamol and analgin, and up to 10 tablets for ibuprofen. Most combination medicines will be removed from vending machines, as pharmacists report that some people purchase them to enhance the effects of other substances. Each vending machine will display a warning: “Always take this medicine as directed in the leaflet or as advised by your doctor or pharmacist” and “Irresponsible self-medication is dangerous for your health.”

The ministry explains the changes by citing cases where minors, influenced by social media videos, have taken dangerous doses that could be life-threatening. Doctors warn that recent cases linked to TikTok show that even a few tablets can cause fatal liver failure. The pharmacists’ union supports the new limits, saying they still allow people to buy a small amount of medicine at night to manage symptoms until they can see a doctor, while helping reduce abuse.