site.btaMedia Review: October 16

POLITICS

The main political topic in Bulgaria continues to revolve around the reactions to GERB Chair Boyko Borissov’s statement on Tuesday, in which he said he saw no place for GERB in the current government after the party finished sixth in the Pazardzhik municipal council elections. Following Borissov’s remarks, Prime Minister and GERB member Rosen Zhelyazkov cancelled the regular Council of Ministers meeting scheduled for Wednesday, while Movement for Rights and Freedoms – New Beginning (MRF–New Beginning) Floor Leader Delyan Peevski declared that he would support Borissov’s nomination for National Assembly Chair and that his party was ready to assume its share of responsibility for Bulgaria’s governance. MRF–New Beginning is not part of the current ruling coalition, which includes GERB–UDF, the Bulgarian Socialist Party – United Left coalition, and There Is Such a People (TISP).

The topic was widely discussed on Bulgarian National Radio (BNR).

Speaking to BNR, journalist Veselin Stoynev said he saw several possible outcomes to the current political situation. “There are a few scenarios. One is a reconfiguration of the ruling majority, which would mean the official inclusion of MRF–New Beginning, a narrowing of the coalition partners – BSP and TISP – possibly even the removal of one of them or their replacement by another,” Stoynev explained. Another possible scenario, he said, would be for Borissov’s party to support legislation limiting Delyan Peevski’s influence.

“The real news from Pazardzhik is not that GERB came in sixth, but that MRF–New Beginning came first. Could this ‘New Beginning’ also take the lead at the national level – and wouldn’t that trigger an explosion similar to that of 2013?” he wondered. Stoynev said that the opposition is currently in a favourable position but has limited prospects within this parliament.

“The government is facing a crisis of its own making. The opposition can claim consistency, pointing out that what it warned about is now happening. But it cannot seize power in this National Assembly, nor would it be particularly advantageous for it to trigger [early] elections,” he said. It is necessary, Stoynev stressed, to limit the damage from the political crisis and prevent it from escalating into a financial one. “There must be a government,” the journalist underscored.

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In an interview with Bulgarian National Radio (BNR), journalist and PR expert Ivet Dobromirova said that Boyko Borissov had underestimated the partial local elections in Pazardzhik, which led to a very poor result for his party. “Being the biggest political animal in this political jungle, you simply cannot afford to drop to sixth place. At the very least, such elections should matter to you enough to prevent that from happening – because when you’re the champion, metaphorically speaking, you can’t allow yourself to be relegated from the top league. And that’s exactly what happened to GERB in Pazardzhik,” she commented.

Dobromirova argued that Borissov is the only one accumulating negative consequences from the current government — both for his party and personally. “This is exactly what he wanted to avoid. That’s why he keeps repeating that this is not his government, that he is not the prime minister and bears no responsibility. But clearly, he cannot escape the damage and the negatives associated with this government,” she explained.

According to Dobromirova, how the situation unfolds will depend on President Rumen Radev. “If Radev decides to enter the race for the next elections and they take place at the beginning of next year rather than at the end of this one, he will have the justification to say that this parliament must first adopt the next state budget, and then he will dissolve it early next year and join the contest himself,” Dobromirova also argued.

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According to political scientist Hristo Panchugov, changes in the cabinet structure are more likely than early elections, while the least probable scenario is the formation of a new governing majority within the current National Assembly. He told BNR that a situation where Boyko Borissov and Delyan Peevski stand side by side would be undesirable for the GERB leader, adding that a renegotiation of the balance of power within the government should be expected.

Panchugov predicted that one of the first developments in the coming days will be the replacement of National Assembly Chair Nataliya Kiselova. “This is also a position that appears on the list of potential caretaker prime minister candidates. In that sense, this move will test to what extent the partners in the current government are willing to preserve their influence in various ministries at the cost of sacrificing Kiselova’s position,” he explained. He added that such a move would also serve as punishment for the “arbitrariness” shown by the Bulgarian Socialist Party leader in traveling to China without the prime minister’s knowledge, and at the same time demonstrate that “when Boyko Borissov demands something, it happens”.

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Speaking to Bulgarian National Radio (BNR), political scientist Yanitsa Petkova from the Myara polling agency said she sees “aggressiveness and nervousness” in Boyko Borissov’s behaviour. According to her, such reactions, whether deliberate or not, usually come from people who feel under pressure. Petkova said she does not believe Borissov’s reaction was premeditated, adding that “the first task of any leader is to tighten the ranks within their own party and reaffirm their authority and position”. She said a second reading of Borissov’s statement points to what she described as a possible “reformulation of governance”.

“There is an option to reshape this government without holding early elections,” Petkova noted. In her view, no one is currently aiming for early parliamentary elections. The reasons, she explained, are several – uncertainty among the main political parties and the upcoming presidential election. “Early parliamentary elections are something we cannot afford right now, but if they do happen, they will most likely take place next year,” she said. Petkova predicted that an attempt could be made to reformat the ruling majority within the current National Assembly, adding that a restructuring within GERB itself can also be expected.

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In an interview with Bulgarian National Radio (BNR), political scientist Ruzha Smilova said that the local elections in Pazardzhik showed that, compared to previous local votes, GERB has lost ground to MRF–New Beginning in specific neighbourhoods and other areas where the party had traditionally relied on stronger support.

According to her, Borissov saw this as a sign of a growing trend of votes shifting toward MRF–New Beginning. “For the first time, Borissov is suffering clear losses from being in power – losses that benefit his governing partners rather than the opposition, and that is telling,” Smilova said. “Whenever Borissov has formed a coalition in the past, it was always the smaller partners who paid the price – remember VMRO, the Patriotic Front, and so on. Now we are seeing a different pattern. That’s why he’s sending his people across the country – to find out what people think, and whether they might be preparing to back a better horse,” she commented. Smilova argued that the GERB leader is not ready for a direct confrontation with Delyan Peevski but fears “a loss of influence and a draining of power by a competitor on whom his government depends.” She said Borissov is now trying to demonstrate that the functioning of both the government and the National Assembly depends entirely on him.

At the same time, Smilova said, MRF–New Beginning’s strategy is to attach itself to moves that weaken its opponents. Borissov realizes, she added, that joint governance with Peevski would lead to the isolation of both GERB and Bulgaria internationally. “Such a coalition could not be ‘sold’ abroad, even in the current, rather changed international environment. There was an unsuccessful attempt to have both the MRF–New Beginning leader and those close to Borissov, like Vladislav Goranov, removed from the Magnitsky sanctions list. Borissov knows that this cooperation, and the way others cling to his broad back for protection, is dangerous for him – he risks being dragged down with them. He does not dare to say that Peevski is his problem, but he is aware of it, and he likely lacks the strength to break free. All the more so since it’s clear that his government, the Zhelyazkov government, currently depends on Peevski,” Smilova said.

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The 24 Chasa daily published the opinion of political scientist Stoycho Stoychev, who dismissed the possibility of early parliamentary elections at this stage. According to him, Borissov has repeatedly said that he will not be the one to bring down the government first. Stoychev added that the ruling majority has also made commitments to Bulgaria’s European partners regarding the country’s accession to the euro area. The process itself, he noted, involves such understandings and guarantees – namely, that there will be a degree of political stability at least until the euro is introduced.

“Therefore, the likelihood of early elections within the next six to nine months seems rather low,” Stoychev said. “Reformatting or renegotiating the coalition, the formal inclusion of MRF in the government, and similar developments are possible within the current parliament, but the moment for such changes has not yet come,” he explained.

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Online news outlet Mediapool.bg highlights an analysis of the current political situation, noting that it remains unclear what will result from GERB leader Boyko Borissov’s “thunderous threats”, including his calls for a reshuffle of power. One of the few things that appears certain is that Parliament Chair Nataliya Kiselova will most likely be replaced. The BSP, on whose list Kiselova entered Parliament, does not object. However, the socialists are expected to try to compensate for losing this position by retaining other roles in the executive branch that may be far more important to them, Mediapool.bg reports.

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All of Thursday's news media report that for the second consecutive day, the National Assembly failed to reach a quorum, with only 71 MPs out of 240 registering their attendance. The next sitting is scheduled for Friday. Wednesday’s sitting was also cancelled after just 61 MPs registered, prompting Parliament Chair Nataliya Kiselova to convene a new sitting for Thursday at 9:00 a.m. The situation followed GERB leader Boyko Borissov’s threat not to ensure quorum in Parliament.

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All media cover President Rumen Radev’s statement, that, as of October 20, he will use his personal vehicle when travelling with administration staff who are forced to use their own vehicles while carrying out official duties related to state ceremonies, protocol, and events in the President’s work programme. Radev said that in a letter to the director of the National Service for Protection (NSP).

The reason behind Radev’s decision is the recently adopted amendments by the National Assembly regarding the activities of the NSP, which abolish the provision of transport services for the President’s administration.

On October 3, Parliament decided that the NSP will no longer provide transport services for the presidential administration. The amendment was supported by GERB–UDF, BSP–United Left, There Is Such a People, and Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) –New Beginning, as well as three independent MPs. The bill was introduced by Kalin Stoyanov from MRF–New Beginning.

DEFENCE

Responsibility is the hardest burden to bear, and not everyone is prepared to shoulder it, Bulgarian Air Force Commander Major General Nikolay Rusev told Bulgarian National Television (BNT). He emphasized that responsibility is always personal, not shared.

Rusev explained the current readiness protocols for fighter jets: from the signal issued by the command centre in Spain, a pilot has 12 minutes to enter the aircraft, start it, and take off, with the total scramble time capped at 15 minutes. Pilots learn the direction and objective of their mission while airborne, and intercepts are primarily for reporting airspace violations; Bulgaria has seen no intrusions, only occasional radio communication lapses by civilian aircraft.

A key defence focus, Rusev said, is countering drones. While commercial systems exist, there is currently no operational solution against advanced drones. Bulgaria aims to acquire a system capable of electromagnetic disruption or control jamming rather than kinetic interception, similar to Poland’s approach. Fighter jets should not be scrambled against drones due to the inherent risks.

Bulgaria is gradually integrating F-16s into its air defence. For now, MiG-29s continue to patrol, as F-16s will only enter operational duty once enough aircraft and pilots are available. Four jets have arrived, with two more expected shortly, but only six pilots are trained, and just two can lead formations. Training, conducted in the US, is slightly delayed due to high demand. Rusev concluded that F-16s may begin taking over duty in 2026, but he expressed scepticism about immediate full operational readiness.

ENVIRONMENT

Dnevnik.bg publishes an extensive analysis on Sofia’s flooding issues. Even though it is not home to large rivers, Bulgaria’s capital has experienced deadly floods, such as the 1983 disaster when the normally gentle Perlovska River overflowed after heavy rain. A collapsed bridge in South Park created a temporary dam, and when it gave way, a wave surged toward the National Palace of Culture, flooding the underpass and killing two people. Flooding has also occurred in 2005, 2006, and 2021, particularly in northern districts, Dnevnik.bg writes.

The root of Sofia’s flooding issues lies not only in heavy rains but also in urban development practices, according to the article. Soil sealed with asphalt and concrete, an aging sewage system, and rivers diverted into underground pipes for construction have amplified the risk. Many residents are unaware that rivers once flowed near their apartment blocks, now hidden beneath streets and walkways. Rapid urbanization, often fueled by restitution and private landownership conflicts, has led to riverbeds being altered or built over, particularly in southern quarters such as Manastirski Livadi, Krustova Vada, Malinova Dolina, and Ovcha Kupel-2.

Perlovska River itself forms from the Drenovishka and Boyanska Bara streams, the latter running through heavily built areas. In Vitosha district, a small unnamed river regularly floods streets even after minor rainfall due to diverted channels, blocked sewers, and construction encroaching on its natural course. Similarly, Lisashka River in Ovcha Kupel-2 now runs underground after the nearby metro construction, with two new residential blocks built over its former riverbed. Although these rivers are relatively small, blockages in their pipes during heavy rains can trigger local flooding. Hydrologists warn that even rivers appearing “dry” can suddenly flood when rainfall concentrates over their watersheds, Dnevnik.bg further writes.

Legally, rivers in Bulgaria are public state property, meaning construction on riverbeds and adjacent protective zones is prohibited. Yet urban planning regulations and fragmented governance, spanning at least eight ministries, have led to poor coordination. Urbanists note that older detailed development plans sometimes failed to properly mark rivers, and recent modifications have favoured private investors, particularly in southern districts. Over 50% of Sofia’s rivers have legal or usage issues, complicating flood prevention and river management, Dnevnik.bg says.

Flood risks are further exacerbated by outdated drainage and sewage infrastructure, originally designed for smaller water volumes. Hydraulic engineers explain that “allowed distances” from rivers, based on historical 1,000-year flood calculations, are increasingly outdated due to climate-driven intense rainfall.

City authorities are exploring preventive measures. Sofia’s Chief Architect, Bogdana Panayotova, highlights that rivers and streams are systematically built over, and that drainage infrastructure should be developed alongside urban construction to preserve natural watercourses. She identifies the Tria­ditsa, Vitosha, and Lozenets districts as particularly vulnerable. Emergency working groups are being convened to propose immediate measures, including halting permits for construction in high-risk areas. Civic activists are calling for a review of all development plans affecting rivers and the city’s last natural wetlands, such as Boyansko Marsh.

Experts warn that protecting Sofia’s rivers is urgent, not only to prevent flooding but also to preserve natural air corridors from Vitosha, maintain ecological balance, and safeguard public safety in an increasingly urbanized landscape, Dnevnik.bg’s article concludes.

FINANCIAL FRAUD

Citing data from the Bulgarian National Bank, the Trud tabloid daily says that counterfeit banknotes in Bulgaria have surged sharply in recent months. In the third quarter of 2025, authorities seized 2,896 fake banknotes – a 15-year record. The last time a higher number of counterfeit bills was detected was in the first quarter of 2010.

The second quarter of 2025 also saw an unusually high number of counterfeit notes, with 1,249 seized, compared to only 121 in the first quarter. By comparison, in 2024, between 200 and 400 fake banknotes were detected each quarter. In 2025, the number of counterfeits in the second quarter was three times higher than usual, and in the third quarter it exceeded previous levels by more than seven times.

The largest increase has been in counterfeit 50 leva notes. From July to September, authorities confiscated 2,748 fake 50-lev bills, marking a record since the BNB began publishing data on counterfeit currency. By contrast, only 91 counterfeit 100-lev notes were seized during the same period. Interestingly, the second quarter showed a different pattern, with 661 fake 100-lev notes detected—more than the 533 counterfeit 50-lev notes seized at that time, Trud writes.

FORMER BTC OWNER SUES BULGARIA FOR EUR 125 MLN

Segabg.com reports that a former owner of the former state-owned Bulgarian Telecommunications Company EAD (BTC), now branded Vivacom, is suing the Bulgarian state for EUR 125 million, which was forcibly collected by the trustees of the bankrupt Corporate Commercial Bank (Corpbank). According to the article, the funds were taken from B2 Investment S.à.r.l., the indirect owner of BTC. Although Bulgarian courts finalized the case in 2019 in favour of the trustees and the money was paid in 2020, B2 Investment now seeks to recover it from the Finance Ministry, representing the state, along with substantial interest of BGN 91,797,834 for delay. The case is notable not only for the large claim against the government but also for its potential to set legal precedents, Segabg.com writes.

B2 Investment controlled the entire BTC capital through a chain of companies until September 2016. It owned 100% of InterV Investment S.à.r.l., which in turn owned 100% of Viva Telecom Bulgaria EOOD, the sole shareholder of BTC. B2 Investment itself is owned by VTelecom Investment SCA, which includes multiple international shareholders and companies directly or indirectly controlled by Corpbank majority owner, Bulgarian fugitive banker Tsvetan Vassilev.

On March 14, 2016, the Corpbank trustees filed a claim against B2 Investment under a new provision of the Bankruptcy Act, created specifically for the Corpbank collapse. The law allows trustees to claim assets from third parties who received property originating from the bank.

The Sofia City Court ruled in 2018 that the EUR 125 million, originating from Corpbank, was indirectly used by Vassilev to acquire a stake in BTC, and ordered B2 Investment to pay the amount as a third party. After unsuccessful appeals, the decision became final in 2019, and the full sum was collected in May 2020 following a UK court enforcement order.