site.btaMedia Review: August 27

POLITICS

24 Chasa says political parties record three times more donations in the October 27, 2024 elections than on June 9, leading to higher subsidies in the current parliament. The Bulgarian National Audit Office reports total donations at BGN 1.56 million, compared to BGN 0.51 million previously, with fewer but larger individual donations (345 vs. 361). Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) declares the highest campaign revenues (BGN 1,313,040), followed by Movement for Rights and Freedoms – New Beginning (BGN 1.243 million) and Vazrazhdane (BGN 1.002 million). GERB-UDF, There Is Such a People (TISP), BSP – United Left (BSP), Velichie, and Morality, Unity, Honour (MECh) each report less than BGN 1 million. Funding comes primarily from parties’ own resources (mainly the subsidy and membership fees), with additional support from donor contributions, candidate self-funding, and Central Election Commission media packages of up to BGN 40,000. MRF – New Beginning spends the most (BGN 1.158 million), ahead of Vazrazhdane (BGN 996,615) and TISP (BGN 765,319).

Public funds cover the majority of campaign expenses: 62% from the subsidy and 6% from media packages (66% in total); among coalitions such as GERB-UDF, CC-DB, MRF – New Beginning, Alliance for Rights and Freedoms (ARF), and BSP, public funding accounts for 31%. Supporter donations total BGN 1.521 million, led by CC-DB (BGN 0.561 million) and MRF – New Beginning (BGN 0.43 million); GERB-UDF, MECh, and Velichie report none. Candidate contributions reach BGN 1.53 million, with about half coming from MRF – New Beginning (BGN 0.785 million).

The largest single supporter contribution is an in-kind BGN 0.260 million to CC-DB; senior MRF members also make significant donations. Subsidies increase in line with higher voter turnout: 38.94% compared to 33.78% in June, paid at BGN 8 per vote in four tranches; Velichie’s 97,497 votes yield BGN 779,976 for 2025. Since the autumn elections, groups in the 51st National Assembly receive BGN 12,221,347 over three tranches, despite a delayed start. Mediapool.bg and Dnevnik also report on this story.

***

Trud says the Council of Ministers proposes Miroslav Rashkov as Interior Ministry secretary general, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov says in Kostinbrod. “Our proposal is based on Rashkov’s work, political neutrality and potential to lead the Interior Ministry away from political disputes,” Zhelyazkov says. He adds that ambassadorial appointments are pre-coordinated with the President to align positions and will be submitted formally, the same applying to the secretary general. The Interior Ministry has been without a confirmed secretary general for over a year and a half, a post responsible by law for the ministry’s organization and professional activity.

***

Trud says Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov calls for Parliament to be dissolved, the government to resign and early elections to be held, linking the cabinet’s nominee for interior ministry secretary to Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) – New Beginning leader Delyan Peevski.

“Miroslav Rashkov is a close associate of Delyan Peevski, suggesting he is preparing for elections and seeking influence over the Interior Ministry, similar to the approach previously taken by Continue the Change (CC),” Kostadinov says. It is unfortunate that President Rumen Radev serves as a cover for behind-the-scenes agreements, Kostadinov says, adding that Radev’s stance shifts from confrontation to tacit approval, with the institutional blockade overcome at the price of another term for General Emil Tonev as head of the National Service for Protection. Kostadinov questions whether Rashkov's appointment reflects a continued redistribution of power within the state or is merely an isolated case.

Kostadinov argues Radev should not recognize the government as legitimate, since it stems from an illegitimate parliament formed after partial annulment of the elections and changes in parliamentary groups.

***

bTV aired an interview with Rumen Hristov, deputy chair of the GERB-UDF parliamentary group and leader of UDF, who criticized President Rumen Radev over claims he secured Rheinmetall’s investment, saying “we wanted him not to help us but at least not to hinder,” and noting talks between the government and the company had run for months with VMZ-Sopot chosen for expansion. Asked why Emiliyan Gebrev had twice been refused a powder plant, Hristov said he could not compare Rheinmetall’s capacity with Gebrev’s and denied attending talks on such a deal.

Hristov said he backed making Miroslav Rashkov secretary general of the Interior Ministry, arguing leadership appointments were inevitably politicized by a government backed by GERB-UDF, TISP and BSP – United Left: “We recommend individuals we trust; they can be politically neutral and still reliable,” he said. He added that Kalin Stoyanov was “forced” to become an MP from MRF – New Beginning after being prevented from serving as minister.

Hristov attributed Pleven’s water crisis to years of delayed decisions and climate challenges, noting losses exceeding 70% and the necessity of flushing outdated pipes after supply interruptions. He reported that the government was addressing the issue urgently and implementing measures to prevent unwarranted price increases before euro adoption. He also indicated that the state-run shops project would likely move forward to monitor retail mark-ups. He concluded that the government was prepared for the upcoming no-confidence vote and expected to win.

ECONOMY

24 Chasa says Transport Minister Grozdan Karadjov inspects the Elin Pelin-Kostenets line and pledges Sofia-Burgas rail travel in a little over three hours within five years. Work accelerates after a year-long halt, with ten sections under repair and completion targeted for 2029. The 51-km mountain stretch includes tunnels, viaducts and five new stations, and aims for speeds up to 160 km/h. “There is light in the tunnel for Bulgarian railways,” Karadjov says.

***

24 Chasa says Regional Development Minister Ivan Ivanov notes delays under the 2021–2027 Regional Development Programme and urges municipalities to fast-track procurements, including conditional tenders for major projects. “We must not lose EU grant funding,” Ivanov said. He adds that all administrative contracts for over 50 projects will be signed within a month, municipalities may request advance payments, and the ministry provides full support while administrative and technical issues are discussed with local authorities.

***

Trud reports that the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy is proposing a minimum wage of BGN 1,213 (EUR 620.20) effective January 1, 2026, representing a 12.6% increase (BGN 136). The minimum hourly wage is set at BGN 7.31 (EUR 3.74). The draft regulation is currently open for public consultation. The increase would benefit nearly 600,000 people; according to NSI data, approximately 456,700 employees were earning the minimum wage in Q2 2025. The adjustment would also raise pay for about 83,000 personal assistants, nearly 30,000 employees in state-funded social services, participants in budget-funded employment programs, and professional foster families. Following Minister Borislav Gutsanov’s initiative, the ministry has resumed discussions with employers and unions regarding a permanent mechanism, but no consensus has been reached. As a result, the minimum wage is determined using the Labour Code formula, 50% of the average gross wage over a reference period of four quarters, in line with the EU directive’s 50% benchmark. The proposal will be submitted to the National Council for Tripartite Cooperation and then to the Council of Ministers for final approval.

***

Mediapool.bg publishes an article by former prime minister Ivan Kostov, who argues the Finance Ministry uses accounting methods to obscure the true 2025 deficit and warns that the European System of Accounts (ESA) 2010 deficit likely exceeds 3% of GDP. He points out that the mid-2025 fiscal report shows revenues of BGN 24.1 billion (43.7% of the plan) and expenditures of BGN 26.6 billion (44.1%), resulting in a cash deficit of BGN 3.45 billion. However, he notes that negative domestic financing of BGN 4.54 billion is allocated to capital transfers and recapitalizations of state-owned enterprises, including the Bulgarian Development Bank, while external financing of BGN 8.06 billion more than doubles the current deficit. Kostov explains that early corporate tax payments temporarily compensate for weaker VAT and excise revenues, capital expenditures are about one third of the annual plan, and disbursements are concentrated at the end of the year. He says that under ESA 2010, these cash flows are treated as expenditures, placing the likely deficit between 4.0% and 4.5% of GDP, which risks euro adoption being followed by an excessive deficit procedure, stricter EU oversight, and reputational harm. He concludes that the probability of a 2025 deficit surpassing 3% is high, and the risk is both institutional and fiscal.

Dnevnik publishes a summary of the same article. Dnevnik says Kostov argues the budget execution as of June 30 does not reflect the real fiscal position, with capital transfers interpreted as net redemption of state debt. “The European Commission and Eurostat will likely assess these practices not as a temporary fiscal manoeuvre but as a systemic distortion of reporting. This will raise the risk that Bulgaria comes under tighter monitoring and even an excessive deficit procedure if it is confirmed that the real imbalance is significantly above 3%,” Kostov writes.

***

Telegraph interviews Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev, who details metro expansion plans: Student City will receive five new stations (procurement in progress), while 10 sections currently under construction extend toward Georgi Asparuhov and Slatina. Feasibility studies evaluate two alternatives to reach Ring Mall, an extension from Business Park or a branch through Malinova Dolina, intending to connect with a future lift base station. Terziev aims to complete the current construction by 2027 and anticipates the opening of the two Tsaritsa Yoanna stations in Lyulin in 2028–2029. With EU financing reduced to 50%, the city is seeking loans and public–private partnerships. “We look for new sources of municipal funding,” Terziev says.

Terziev says about 30% of the city’s capital area still lacks sewerage; defects in Dragalevtsi are being addressed according to FIDIC standards. “If necessary they will fix them 3-4 times,” Terziev says. Current priorities are completing ring boulevards and tangents: widening Todor Kableshkov and Filip Kutev (Buxtone), executing the Pencho Slaveykov breakthrough, advancing the Eastern and Western tangents, and improvements on Adam Mickiewicz, Iliyantsi, and Copenhagen, along with access roads and utilities for the children’s hospital. Key connections to the ring road and Copenhagen Blvd are intended to improve airport traffic flow, with work scheduled next year on James Bourchier and Kliment Ohridski at UNWE. The Bakarena Fabrika bridge is completed, and design work continues to improve the exit to Lomsko Shose. The Maria Luiza renovation begins by year-end (from Kozloduy St to the Nadezhda overpass). Terziev is satisfied with the Opalchenska reconstruction; red road markings were added at the request of KAT, more trees have been planted with drip irrigation, and the historic Georgi Dimitrov house restricts widening the pavement. He confirms the Simeonovo lift will remain out of service until it is replaced. Work is underway on access, parking, and a possible extension for the Dragalevski lift, while the Knyazhevo lift remains a lower priority.

***

Dnevnik says the debate over using real-estate brokers intensifies as sellers post “no brokers” ads to avoid fees, while buyers weigh when and why to pay. The US market shifts to a model closer to Bulgaria’s, where the established practice is a 3% commission, often paid by both sides, and work proceeds on the basis of a written service contract.

Dnevnik says brokers handle price analysis, dozens of viewings, document preparation, loan support and negotiations. “Significant work is done – property checks, loan assistance, comparable listings, price reduction and legal protection,” the CEO of real property broker Imoteka Yavor Peychev says. He adds that off-plan purchases benefit from an experienced consultant who knows the full process.

Dnevnik adds that open-house events gain ground: a property is shown to all comers within a set window, the seller may cover the buyer’s fee, and competing offers follow – useful for sought-after locations but not for every asset.

Dnevnik adds “no brokers” deals risk mispricing and procedural pitfalls; red flags include “home brokers” operating without contracts, and ads like “only private individuals” or “we work with colleagues,” which can hide mark-ups or restrict cooperation. The sector pushes for legal regulation, with two bills in Parliament, while at present anyone can be a broker without a diploma, certification, fee or formal professional liability.

***

 Capital says Brussels flags likely conflicts between Bulgaria’s draft agri-food chain bill and EU law. Sources at the European Commission share that capping retail and processing mark-ups at 20%, setting 10% for wholesalers, guaranteeing at least 10% profit for farmers, imposing mandatory quotas of 50% Bulgarian goods (and 80% for dairy with Bulgarian raw material) in chains with over 10 stores, and limiting promotions raise issues with free trade in the single market and de facto price coordination. The concerns also involve Article 4(3) of the Treaty on European Union (principle of loyal cooperation) and, in conjunction with Article 101 Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the risk of requiring companies to coordinate prices instead of competing.

Capital says business groups warn the bill replaces market rules with state regulation, distorts competition and could even lift prices for consumers; mandatory quotas risk shortages where domestic output is insufficient, such as pork. “The problems with the bill fall into two categories – fundamental and technical,” CEO of the sectoral organization Association for Modern Trade Nikolay Valkanov says. “The State moves to dismantle proven business models that drive fierce competition; the technical flaws run from breaches of EU law to the impossibility of control and enforcement,” he adds.

Capital writes the Commission prepares a separate EU-wide reform for early 2026 aimed at curbing below-cost food sales and harmonizing packaging and labelling to ease movement of goods, not at national price caps or quotas. The Agriculture Ministry keeps the bill’s future unclear after consultations closed on July 14, 2025, with no reply yet on withdrawal or major rewrites.

***

Telegraph says the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) culls 28,000 ducks after detecting avian influenza at three farms near Rakovski. The BFSA establishes 3-km protection and 10-km surveillance zones that include Rakovski and nearby villages in the municipalities of Rakovski, Maritsa, and Kaloyanovo. The agency initiates tracing of birds, products, feed, and vehicles, and requires strict biosecurity measures, including keeping birds indoors. Owners of culled flocks receive state compensation. Experts report that the virus can transmit to humans, but the risk remains minimal.

***

Capital reports that Primorsko, on the Black Sea, is launching a procurement for the construction of Bulgaria’s most expensive fishing port, valued at BGN 55.8 million (ex VAT). Following a Council of Ministers decision on June 12 to allocate up to BGN 60 million, funding shifts from potential EU sources to the state budget. This cost significantly exceeds previous projects: Burgas-Sarafovo (BGN 9 million, 151 berths), Chernomorets (BGN 9.5 million), Pomorie (BGN 11.5 million, 112 boats and 8 vessels), and Byala’s Chayka fishing port (over BGN 37 million, more than 400 berths). The development includes 200 berths, an administrative building, fish market, cold storage, workshops, slipway, unloading and bunkering areas, parking for around 100 cars, access control, fencing, bicycle lanes with charging stations, utility connections, and wave-breakers/moles. Initial feasibility studies conclude in 2023. Bids are due by September 19, with construction set to finish within four years of breaking ground.

Capital notes that the municipality’s 2025 budget is BGN 63 million, raising concerns about the project's scope and funding strategy. The current port has limited capacity; while 300 small vessels are registered locally, the new facility offers only 200 berths, potentially leaving many boats without space. The rationale for the shift to state financing is uncertain, as the finance minister’s report submitted to the cabinet is not publicly available. Mayor Ivan Gaikov (GERB) was elected in 2023, and GERB maintains a majority in the municipal council.

***

Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) interviewed former defence minister Velizar Shalamanov, who He urged Bulgaria to promptly finalize a framework agreement with Ukraine and called for a comprehensive national security, defense, defense industry, and innovation strategy. He recommended that the government procure armaments and invest in technology, development, and research. “We must focus on air, missile and anti-ship defence,” Shalamanov said, criticizing reliance on a few MiG-29s and urging NATO deployments to guarantee air and maritime security.

On Rheinmetall’s plans, he said the investment would likely be profitable but Bulgaria needed clear high-tech priorities. He noted unresolved questions over blasts at defence sites and the attempted poisoning of Emilian Guebrev, and said the media environment had worsened, with "the level of information pressure in Bulgaria’s media environment significantly higher."

***

bTV featured a panel discussion on their morning talk show, where panelists noted that Bulgarians held BGN 94 billion in bank deposits, with balances rising by over 10% year-on-year, leading to substantial inflows into the banking sector. Lachezar Bogdanov, chief economist at the Institute for Market Economics, explained that economic growth and higher incomes have contributed to this trend. He also observed an unusual decrease of about BGN 2 billion in cash in circulation following the eurozone decision in early July, as people deposited money back into banks ahead of the automatic euro conversion on January 1. Georgi Zahariev, founder of Financial Academy, noted that year-on-year, small deposit balances had declined, while deposits over BGN 50,000 had grown. He attributed these changes to few investment alternatives besides deposits and real estate, low financial literacy, and inflation diminishing the value of savings.

Real estate remained the other preferred investment: new housing loans exceeded BGN 9 billion in a year, supporting price growth, with flats in Sofia’s Manastirski Livadi borough topping EUR 300,000 and similar homes in Plovdiv, Varna and Burgas sought for EUR 220,000–250,000. “Bank lending reached nearly BGN 1 billion a month in new mortgages, fuelling prices and the sense that buyers will win,” Bogdanov said. Brokers reported no freeze or spike after eurozone entry but stricter lending that could cool the market.

The discussion also cited about EUR 10 trillion in “sleeping deposits” across Europe and EU plans under the Capital Markets Union to steer savings into investments; Zahariev said investing required learning, practice and discipline, yet many still viewed the bank account as the safest option.

***

Dnevnik publishes an article on the provisions of remote work in the Labour Code. It governs remote work in Articles 107z–107p and requires a written agreement. Remote work is defined as work carried out outside the employer’s premises using information technology, which is or could be performed on site.

The law permits multiple workplaces; at the employee’s written request, the work location can change for up to 30 working days per year. Contracts or addenda must specify the workplace, working hours, reporting procedures, equipment, cost-sharing arrangements, and safety measures – elements essential to clarify rights and obligations and prevent conflicts. Employers typically cover costs for internet, electricity, equipment, and software under Art. 107i(3); use of personal devices or shared costs is permitted only if explicitly agreed. Equal treatment provisions in Art. 107n ensure remote employees have access to training, promotions, and company processes.

According to Dnevnik, employers remain responsible for health and safety (Art. 107k), including risk assessment, even in remote work settings. However, implementation at home relies on the employee: submitting written workspace descriptions, following safety instructions, and using handover protocols help minimize the risk of home accidents. Inspections can occur only with prior notice and employee consent.

Both parties have notification obligations: employers must inform employees about changes affecting work organization or safety, while employees must promptly report any changes that have an effect on working conditions, such as address changes, power or internet issues, or equipment malfunctions. Working time provision balances flexibility and accountability: employees manage their schedules but must be available when employers interact with third parties. Working hours may be tracked by automated systems, and employees can access their own timesheets (Art. 107l). The “right to disconnect” (Art. 154b) safeguards employees’ rest periods.

Dnevnik notes that monitoring must be necessary and proportionate under GDPR and local regulations; practices such as continuous screenshotting or geolocation typically do not meet these requirements without a clear purpose, impact assessment, and comprehensive notification. Collective rights remain unchanged: remote workers maintain union and representation rights (Arts. 107n, 7a) and must be included in meetings, training, and consultations, as exclusion can lead to indirect discrimination.

The article contextualizes the evolution of remote work, referencing Jack Nilles’ introduction of “telework” in the 1970s and IBM’s 1979 pilot. It concludes that effective remote work relies on clear contractual terms, proportionate oversight, documented safety protocols, genuine inclusion, and transparent communication.

WATER SHORTAGES

24 Chasa says Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov issues a warning to Pleven Regional Governor Nikolay Abrashev regarding the water crisis, assigning a two-week deadline to strengthen coordination or face staffing changes. He directs experts to be seconded to the region and instructs three ministers to report progress on Wednesday. Zhelyazkov calls for immediate, medium-term, and long-term measures to reduce water losses exceeding 80%, enhance coordination between local and central authorities, involve protesters in the crisis management team, and redirect municipal programs toward water supply and sewerage projects. “If the Prime Minister asks for my resignation, I will submit it,” Abrashev says.

***

24 Chasa says that Regional Development Minister Ivan Ivanov orders water utility teams from across the country to Pleven to detect leaks and water theft, deploys water tankers in affected areas, and initiates nationwide inspections following meter losses of 75%. He introduces a three-part plan: immediate repairs by the Pleven operator, mid-term completion of Pleven’s water supply cycle, and the Cherni Osam reservoir as the long-term solution, with the contractor selection process underway. MP Valeri Lachovski notes that mayors can submit priority projects to the ministry for expedited funding outside of Appendix 3.

***

Nova TV aired a segment in its morning programme on the causes of water outages. In the studio, Galya Bardarska of Global Water Partnership – Bulgaria and engineer Teodora Pakuleva of the Bulgarian Water Association said emergency leak-hunt teams were late and unlikely to deliver quick results, as Pleven was again on a water schedule.

Bardarska noted that the situation resembled Pernik’s crisis, with drilling carried out hastily and without hydrogeological surveys or input from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. She identified management shortcomings, citing Gorni Dabnik and Dolni Dabnik reservoirs remaining empty because they were not replenished from the Sopot dam, as canal repairs were delayed and spring floodwaters were released into the river. Bardarska also attributed reported losses to theft and unmetered consumption and referenced a BGN 2.5 million feasibility study for the Pleven Water Utility Company that did not lead to EU funding or implementation of works. She mentioned the 2016 sale of the Valchovets dam, which previously supplied over 300 l/s, while current inflows from the area have dropped to around 80 l/s.

Pakuleva said that technical losses in Pleven now exceed 70%, and described persistent water quality concerns, such as longstanding uranium contamination in Haskovo and delays in providing alternative supplies. Bardarska described the problem as systemic, involving too many institutions, poor coordination, and incomplete infrastructure data. Pakuleva added that the public wanted real solutions, not more promises, and called for independent experts to be engaged instead of relying solely on the organizations that had contributed to the crises.

***

Bulgarian National Television (BNT) reported that Regional Development Minister Ivan Ivanov presented short-, medium-, and long-term measures to address Pleven’s water crisis, with priority given to securing funding for rehabilitation of the internal water supply network, reducing technical and commercial losses, deploying water tankers to affected areas, sending teams from water utility companies nationwide to locate leaks and unauthorized consumption, and drilling additional water sources. Ivanov said water supply would be restored in the coming months, not immediately. He explained that Pleven currently receives about 850 litres per second but still experiences shortages, while a similar city like Ruse, on the Danube,  operates with approximately 350 litres per second due to a rehabilitated network. Ivanov attributed Pleven's situation to years of neglect. Long-term solutions include constructing the Cherni Osam dam and installing booster systems in hospitals and schools.

***

Duma writes that Pleven’s Municipal Council temporary commission holds its first meeting on the city’s water crisis, alongside the operation of a regional Crisis Headquarters. Experts agree that urgent reconstruction of the current network is necessary, given losses of around 80%, rather than drilling new boreholes. “We will not switch to online learning, especially for first-graders; the aim is to secure water in schools,” Mayor Valentin Hristov says, adding that a state of emergency is possible if the boreholes do not provide adequate flow or quality. “Without fixing the water network, all alternative sources are insufficient and a solution requires political will,” water utility expert Sergey Milanov says. Protesters rally again on Sunday, chanting “We want water!” and “Mafia!” and demand concrete measures, civic oversight, and citizen participation in the Crisis Headquarters.

Duma also reports that in Pavlikeni, one in three villages relies on a water schedule. Out of 44 public fountains tested, only 12 supply potable water; signs indicate water safety. The release of water from the Aleksandar Stamboliyski reservoir's irrigation canals partially alleviates shortages, but Nedan, Lesicheri, Gorna Lipnitsa, Dolna Lipnitsa, Batak, and Dimcha continue to face restrictions.

***

Dnevnik says the Regional Development Ministry says around 263,000 people in Bulgaria have disrupted water supply, with the number rising in recent days. Pleven is most affected (101,693), followed by Blagoevgrad (22,537) and Veliko Tarnovo (13,778).

***

Telegraph writes that a pilot cloud-seeding programme in Bulgaria increased rainfall over the Ticha catchment by 15% in early August, from approximately 12 to 18 l per sq. m., using aerosol micro-particles to stimulate raindrop formation. The programme team reports that this approach is more cost-effective than desalination and can be expanded into a national drought mitigation strategy, utilizing aircraft, ground-based generators, and drones. Bulgaria’s network of meteorological stations, radars, and satellites enables precise targeting and assessment. According to Stefan Babov, artificial precipitation methods are considerably less expensive than other water procurement techniques. He notes that more than 40 countries operate state-run projects, around 30 are privately managed, and effective autumn–winter campaigns achieve rainfall increases of 10-30%. The technology is also used to prevent clear-sky conditions over major events and to support wildfire management by enhancing soil moisture.