site.btaContinue the Change Co-Chair Petkov Resigns Over Sofia Corruption Probe, Draws Mixed Political Reactions

Continue the Change (CC) Co-Chair Kiril Petkov resigned on Wednesday as both MP and CC Co-Chair following searches at Sofia Municipality and the release of an audio recording alleging kickbacks on public contracts.

Announcing his decision, he said “CC's cause is bigger than any one of us”, acknowledged “staffing errors” in the party’s Sofia list and stated that he was stepping down to address corruption issues rather than personal accusations. Commenting on the recording, Petkov added: “I do not know if this recording is real, but if it is real, it is a failure of the integrity of these people.” He also called on Delyan Peevski “not to continue turning the country into a banana republic” and urged Kostadin Kostadinov to “Stop lying to people about the euro”.

The resignation comes amid an investigation in which Sofia prosecutors have charged four people—including recently dismissed deputy mayor Nikola Barbutov—with taking bribes and joining an organized criminal group. Investigators say the group offered district mayors in Lyulin and Mladost six per cent of future public-procurement values in exchange for steering contracts to favoured companies; Barbutov and another suspect remain in 72-hour custody while prosecutors seek remand orders. The two district mayors, who left CC on Monday citing party pressure, have already given evidence. Mayor Vasil Terziev has ordered an internal audit of all tenders signed by Barbutov.

Reactions varied across the political spectrum. GERB leader Boyko Borissov said: “I do not know these mayors. What I see in these two years is that nothing is being done in Sofia,” warning that the situation “could play us a very bad joke next year for the presidential elections.” 

Radostin Vasilev of the MECh party described the resignation as “the result of the betrayal of the hope of Bulgarian citizens,” arguing that CC had “simply to replace one participant in the corruption model with another.” 

Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov called the development “a symptom of the disease poisoning and tormenting the entire State – it is called corruption,” adding that the same applies to other political leaders.

Some responses were more supportive. Democracy, Rights and Freedoms MP Hasan Ademov called the resignation “a worthy act of a worthy politician.” 

Labour Minister Borislav Gutsanov (BSP – United Left) urged that the matter be handled within the party framework until investigations conclude, stating: “The authorities should pronounce themselves on the situation if there is real evidence of wrongdoing.”

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, speaking after the NATO summit, said Petkov’s decision showed “an effort to accept accountability for the disclosed information” and emphasised that “it is essential to ensure equality before the law, as the rule of law requires that legal standards apply equally to everyone.”