https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/rss Sat, 11 Apr 2026 02:56:43 +0300 en hourly 1 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103954-caretaker-government-determined-to-ensure-fair-elections-says-chief-commissione https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103954-caretaker-government-determined-to-ensure-fair-elections-says-chief-commissione Fri, 10 Apr 2026 19:34:00 +0300 The caretaker Government is firmly determined to do everything within its power to ensure fair and free elections, wrote on Friday acting Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Chief Commissioner Georgi Kandev, on Facebook. As part of a specialized police operation against crimes related to the electoral process, police officers have carried out an operation in the Montana region (Northwest Bulgaria), Kandev said. In the Mayor’s office in the village of Dolni Tsibar, a total of 197 identity cards and six passports belonging to deceased persons were found and seized, he added. Lists of names and sums of money were also discovered, with reasonable suspicions that they were connected to vote-buying activities. As a result of the operation, three people were detained, Kandev wrote.  According to him, vote buyers use “all kinds of cynical and unacceptable methods to gain unfair advantage in elections, but the Interior Ministry is acting decisively and uncompromisingly against such practices.”  The Montana Regional Police Directorate earlier reported that since the start of the election campaign, 23 pre-trial proceedings have been opened in the region on suspicions of vote-buying.  Bulgaria Metodi Yordanov Nikolay Trifonov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1103916-world-renowned-historian-bettany-hughes-visits-bta-archives-for-upcoming-project https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1103916-world-renowned-historian-bettany-hughes-visits-bta-archives-for-upcoming-project Fri, 10 Apr 2026 17:43:30 +0300 British historian, documentary filmmaker, and author Prof. Bettany Hughes visited the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) together with her team, where she explored the Аgency’s archives. She was welcomed by BTA Director General Kiril Valchev, who personally introduced her to the richness of BTA's archive collection.  Prof. Hughes and her team will use BTA’s archives for upcoming projects. “The BTA archives are very impressive,” she said, adding that an entire hour in a new film would need to be devoted to them.  Valchev stated that BTA would provide everything necessary for the realization of her projects.  During her visit, Hughes examined the Agency’s photo archive, which contains 1.8 million negatives, systematically organized with information about content, year, number, and photographer. She was impressed by the scale and precision of the collection, noting that each image is accompanied by detailed descriptions.  Valchev also introduced her to biographical files on Bulgarian figures, arranged alphabetically and compiled from periodicals and BTA bulletins dating back to the 1930s. She reviewed the BTA Reference Department’s card index, divided into “Bulgaria” and “International” sections, and used for quick fact-checking, a practice BTA has maintained since 1934. He showed her the hall where the archives were digitized as part of a three-year project completed on March 31 this year. “This is the most modern archive in Bulgaria and the largest news archive in the country,” Valchev said. Hughes praised the achievement, noting that an agency with over a century of history digitizing its entire archive is truly remarkable.  She also saw BTA’s oldest preserved publication - the Agency’s first handwritten news item from 1898, as well as its library of 90,000 books, including editions dating back to 1841. Hughes toured the renovated newsroom and the “MaxiM” Hall. Valchev presented Hughes and her team with a BTA catalog marking the agency’s 125th anniversary, containing news from 1898 to 2023, along with issues of LIK magazine covering topics such as Bulgarian science in Antarctica, the country’s first cosmonaut Georgi Ivanov, the 155th anniversary of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, and Bulgaria’s pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka. Cooperation between Prof. Hughes and BTA was agreed during the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Paris, where Valchev committed the agency’s support for her future projects. Prof. Bettany Hughes, born in Oxford in 1967, is a historian, writer, and documentary presenter. She studied Ancient and Medieval History at Oxford University and has taught at Oxford and Cambridge, as well as lectured at universities including Cornell, Bristol, Maastricht, Utrecht, Manchester, and Swansea. Her first book, "Helen of Troy: Goddess, Princess, Whore", has been translated into ten languages. Her book "The Hemlock Cup: Socrates, Athens, and the Search for the Good Life" is a New York Times bestseller and was nominated for the Writers’ Guild Award in 2012. "The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World" is a Sunday Times bestseller. Hughes has written and presented over 50 documentaries for BBC, Channel 4, Netflix, Discovery, PBS, The History Channel, National Geographic, and others, reaching over 250 million viewers worldwide. In 2019, she chaired the Man Booker Prize jury and was awarded an Order of the British Empire for her contributions to history.  She is also co-producer of a global documentary series on the shared roots of Eastern and Western cultures, premiered at UNESCO in 2013, and co-founder of SandStone Global, a production company whose work airs on major international platforms. Her series "Treasures of the World" is broadcast in 120 countries. It includes "Treasures of Bulgaria", whose first episode, filmed in the summer of 2023 and featuring sites such as the Kazanlak Tomb, Buzludzha, the Plovdiv Basilica, Heraclea Sintica, the Rila Monastery, the Rila Lakes, the Varna Archaeological Museum, and more, aired on Viasat History on May 24, 2024, becoming the most-watched program in the UK on Channel 4 that day.  A second episode was filmed in April 2024 in locations including Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, Belogradchik, Sozopol, and the Magura Cave. It aired on March 7, 2025, under the title Bulgaria – The Land of Roses.  Culture Metodi Yordanov Ivan Dolev https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103906-caretaker-justice-minister-efforts-underway-to-prevent-courts-being-used-agains https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103906-caretaker-justice-minister-efforts-underway-to-prevent-courts-being-used-agains Fri, 10 Apr 2026 17:04:51 +0300 Caretaker Justice Minister Andrey Yankulov said in a Facebook post on Friday that the Ministry of Justice will work to establish clearer rules to ensure courts are not used as a tool for attacks against the media. He highlighted so-called SLAPP cases (strategic lawsuits against public participation) as a key priority, adding that Deputy Minister Andrey Georgiev is directly engaged on the issue. Concrete steps are expected in the coming weeks. Yankulov noted that EU-level measures are also being implemented, including a directive against such lawsuits, with draft legislative texts in Bulgaria already prepared and pending approval for public consultation. His comments come amid an exchange between Burgas District Court and investigative outlet bird.bg over account freezes imposed on journalist Dimitar Stoyanov. The minister called for a constructive tone in public debate, urging that criticism of court rulings be well-argued, while acknowledging the pressure faced by journalists investigating wrongdoing. Bulgaria Yoanna Vodenova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103894-bsp-united-left-pledges-people-driven-energy-ahead-of-elections-at-rudozem-mee https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103894-bsp-united-left-pledges-people-driven-energy-ahead-of-elections-at-rudozem-mee Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:34:00 +0300 BSP – United Left will enter parliament with the energy of the people, said the lead candidate Sevdalin Hashinov at a meeting with residents of Rudozem ahead of the parliamentary elections on April 19, the Bulgarian Socialist Party's (BSP) branch in Smolyan reported. According to Hashinov, the left represents the voice of the people, their problems, and their expectations for fairer governance.  During the discussions in Rudozem, topics such as high prices, low incomes, lack of jobs, and the need for greater security for people in the region were addressed.  Residents expressed dissatisfaction with the current situation and called for concrete solutions to improve living standards and restore a sense of justice and security, BSP–Smolyan added. Meetings of the BSP – United Left candidates in the Smolyan region are taking place in an open and emotional dialogue, with a sense of shared cause, the statement said. Bulgaria Metodi Yordanov BTA correspondent Hristina Georgieva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103892-progressive-bulgaria-meets-youth-in-blagoevgrad-highlights-education-culture- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103892-progressive-bulgaria-meets-youth-in-blagoevgrad-highlights-education-culture- Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:23:43 +0300 Representatives of the Progressive Bulgaria coalition met with young people in Blagoevgrad, with the main focus of the discussion being education, culture, and sports, the local branch of the formation reported.  The meeting was opened by the coalition’s leading candidate in Blagoevgrad, Rositsa Karamfilova. “You are the ones who have the strength and energy to change the present starting today,” she told the young participants.  The coalition’s candidates for members of parliament in the Blagoevgrad region, Asya Pandzherova and Aleksandar Maryanov, presented the coalition’s priorities for education in Bulgaria as a bridge between universities and business. Emphasis was placed on internship programs in which the municipality would act as a mediator between local businesses and graduating specialists. Opportunities for establishing municipal scholarships in shortage fields, aimed at retaining young people in the region, were also discussed.  Dimitrina Gosheva, also from theProgressive Bulgaria's MP candidates list in Blagoevgrad, drew attention to the challenges facing culture in the region. She highlighted the need for more event spaces, the creation of youth art zones, and open stages. Another candidate from the coalition’s list, Borislav Mitalov, stressed that sports should not be a luxury, but an accessible opportunity for every young person. Plans for renovating schoolyards and gymnasiums, as well as supporting clubs through transparent funding for local sports schools, were discussed, representatives of “Progressive Bulgaria” added. Bulgaria Metodi Yordanov BTA correspondent Desislava Velkova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103855-bulgarian-patriarch-daniil-urges-prayer-and-reflection-on-good-friday https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103855-bulgarian-patriarch-daniil-urges-prayer-and-reflection-on-good-friday Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:47:13 +0300 Bulgarian Patriarch and Sofia Metropolitan Patriarch Daniil called on believers to bow before the Cross and accept Christ’s sacrifice with gratitude on Good Friday, speaking at St Nedelya Church ahead of the liturgy marking the day. He described Good Friday as the saddest day in Christianity, recalling that humanity "judged and condemned the Righteous One". Daniil urged the faithful to dedicate the day to prayer, setting aside worldly concerns and reflecting on Christ's suffering and sacrifice. The Patriarch said Christ's sacrifice can be embraced through gratitude and by overcoming hatred and distrust, adding that this spiritual effort brings salvation and inner joy. He also noted that despite ongoing persecution, Christianity continues to offer hope to believers. Daniil called on worshippers to seek true joy not in material things but in faith, and to gather in churches to mark the events of Holy Week and prepare to celebrate Easter with renewed hope. Across the country, churches are holding services for the Royal Hours and the procession of the Holy Shroud, symbolizing Christ's burial, before it is placed in the centre of the church for veneration by the faithful. Bulgaria Yoanna Vodenova Ivan Dolev https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103852-vazrazhdane-s-tsveta-rangelova-outlines-healthcare-as-core-priority https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103852-vazrazhdane-s-tsveta-rangelova-outlines-healthcare-as-core-priority Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:36:48 +0300 Healthcare is a core value for Vazrazhdane, said Tsveta Rangelova, the party's top-of-the-list candidate in the 1st multi-member constituency in Blagoevgrad, the party's press office reported on Friday. Rangelova outlined key priorities including improved access to healthcare across all regions, removal of VAT on medicines, and a stronger focus on child, reproductive and mental health. The party has proposed measures to improve access to medicines in smaller settlements and to increase pay for medical professionals. Rangelova also stressed the need to retain young doctors in Bulgaria by creating better working conditions and opportunities, particularly outside major cities. Bulgaria BTA correspondent Desislava Velkova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103776-use-of-mobile-devices-in-schools-remains-an-unresolved-problem-says-gerb-udf-s- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103776-use-of-mobile-devices-in-schools-remains-an-unresolved-problem-says-gerb-udf-s- Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:52:43 +0300 The use of mobile devices in schools remains a problem that still needs to be addressed and has been included in the government programme, Krasimir Valchev, top-of-the-list candidate of GERB-UDF for Razgrad’s 18th constituency, said during a meeting with teachers on Friday, according to GERB’s local press office. In Valchev’s words, GERB has consistently supported policies in favour of education, including increases in teachers’ salaries. Valchev stressed that problems in the school environment should be resolved through dialogue. Regarding mobile devices, he noted that excessive use negatively affects students’ cognitive abilities and should be limited both at school and at home. Gyunay Hyusmen, second on the candidate list, highlighted investments in educational infrastructure in the region. According to him, funding has been secured over the past year for the renovation of eight schools in Razgrad, as well as for the construction of STEM centres. During the meeting, teachers suggested that, in addition to legislative changes, an explicit order banning mobile devices in schools should also be introduced, the party’s press office added. Bulgaria https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103707-planned-rotation-of-us-troops-begins-at-novo-selo-training-area-under-atlantic-r https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103707-planned-rotation-of-us-troops-begins-at-novo-selo-training-area-under-atlantic-r Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:22:09 +0300 A planned rotation of US military personnel has begun at the Novo Selo training area as part of the Atlantic Resolve initiative, Bulgaria’s Defence Ministry said in a press release. The rotation of personnel from the US contingent carrying out missions under the Atlantic Resolve security initiative is taking place between April 8 and April 12. A total of 625 service members are expected to arrive at Varna Airport, from where they will be transported to the joint Bulgarian-American facility at the Novo Selo training area. The movement of personnel and accompanying equipment from Varna Airport to Novo Selo will take place along Bulgaria’s national road network. During the transport operation, military vehicle convoys escorted by Military Police units may be seen on the roads. The Defence Ministry called on citizens and drivers to show understanding and follow the instructions of law enforcement authorities when encountering military convoys, in order to ensure traffic safety. Atlantic Resolve is an initiative of the US Army in Europe and Africa aimed at strengthening deterrence, increasing Alliance readiness, and improving interoperability between US forces and their allies in Eastern Europe, the ministry said. The initiative includes US units that take part on a rotational basis in bilateral, joint, or multinational exercises in the Baltic states, Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria. On March 26, the Defence Ministry also announced a joint exercise in Bulgarian airspace over the Novo Selo training area and northeastern Bulgaria as part of NATO's Neptune Strike 26-1 Enhanced Vigilance Activity. Bulgaria Konstantin Karagyozov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103650-bta-building-renovation-project-approved-under-beautiful-bulgaria-programme https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103650-bta-building-renovation-project-approved-under-beautiful-bulgaria-programme Thu, 09 Apr 2026 22:22:40 +0300 A project to improve the functionality, aesthetics and sustainability of the Bulgarian News Agency building has been approved for funding under the "Beautiful Bulgaria" programme, with a total value of EUR 262,792.80. The project is among 52 approved for implementation in 2026. Funding under the programme amounts to EUR 78,837.84, with BTA providing co-financing of EUR 183,954.96. Planned works include restoration of the mosaic flooring in the corridors, part of the building’s architectural heritage, as well as repairs to doors, walls, ceilings and sanitary facilities. The project was initially approved in 2025 but postponed due to capacity constraints. The renovation builds on a series of recent investments in the BTA building, including the replacement of elevator equipment, improved accessibility, facade renovation and upgrades to shared spaces. Bulgaria Yoanna Vodenova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103647-advisory-to-daily-news-subscribers https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103647-advisory-to-daily-news-subscribers Thu, 09 Apr 2026 22:09:00 +0300 Bulgarian News Agency’s English Service informs its subscribers that during the Easter holidays it will publish two daily news bulletins: one on Saturday and one on Monday. Regular service will resume thereafter. Bulgaria Yoanna Vodenova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103584-cc-db-offers-concrete-solutions-for-ruse-says-coalition-s-top-of-the-list-candi https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103584-cc-db-offers-concrete-solutions-for-ruse-says-coalition-s-top-of-the-list-candi Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:19:06 +0300 Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) offers concrete solutions to the problems of Ruse, on the Danube, CC–DB top-of-the-list candidate in Ruse Nadezhda Yordanova said on Thursday. She was speaking to the local media together with Yes, Bulgaria co-chairs Ivaylo Mirchev and Bozhidar Bozhanov, as well as CC-DB MP Ivan Belchev and candidate for MP Deyan Gerasimov. She noted that dozens of meetings with citizens and businesses in Ruse have highlighted several key priorities. First, Ruse needs better connectivity with the rest of the world through the modernization of roads and railways, as well as by leveraging the Danube River as an advantage. Second, taxes should not be increased, she said, recalling that in December 2025 citizens staged a “tax revolt” against the policy of Rosen Zhelyazkov's government. Third, there is a need for development opportunities for business and young people. Unlike other parties, CC–DB does not rely on slogans and general statements, but puts forward concrete measures to achieve these priorities. According to Yes, Bulgaria co-chairs, April 19 (the election date) will be a decisive moment for the country, adding that without dismantling the Borissov–Peevski model (named after GERB leader Boyko Borissov and MRF leader Delyan Peevski), Bulgaria cannot move forward. Mirchev said that high voter turnout will be needed, as well as difficult decisions after the elections. "If this does not happen, there is a risk of another 15 years under Peevski. If this does not happen, Peevski and Borissov could regroup," he said. Bulgaria Tatiana Marinova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103597-vazrazhdane-top-of-the-list-candidate-in-vratsa-says-bulgaria-s-social-system-le https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103597-vazrazhdane-top-of-the-list-candidate-in-vratsa-says-bulgaria-s-social-system-le Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:46:49 +0300 The social system in Bulgaria has been left to drift instead of addressing people's problems, said Ivaylo Papov, top-of-the-list candidate of Vazrazhdane in the 6th multi-member constituency in Vratsa, the party's press office said on Thursday. According to Papov, the system tends to sustain problems rather than resolve them. He questioned the adequacy of support for vulnerable groups, the fairness of the pension system, and noted that around half a million Bulgarians live at risk of poverty. He also highlighted a growing trend of working people being unable to cover their basic needs. Papov pointed to increasing pressure on the working-age population, which, he said, bears the burden of sustaining the system without receiving sufficient security in return, creating a sense of injustice. He argued that current policies rely on temporary and ineffective measures rather than long-term solutions. "Everything in the social sphere now resembles 'palliative care' - addressing consequences without tackling root causes," Papov said, adding that there is a lack of vision and consistency. He called for a comprehensive reform of social policy, placing Bulgarian citizens and their dignity at its core. Bulgaria https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103561-lyuben-dilov-jr-donates-nearly-500-signed-books-to-burgas-library-announces-rev https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103561-lyuben-dilov-jr-donates-nearly-500-signed-books-to-burgas-library-announces-rev Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:24:36 +0300 Writer Lyuben Dilov Jr, top-of-the-list candidate of GERB-UDF for Burgas constituency, has donated nearly 500 books, including signed editions, to the Regional Library Peyo K. Yavorov in Burgas, the institution said. The donation includes works by Bulgarian authors such as Dora Gabe, Elisaveta Bagryana, Radoy Ralin and Hristo Fotev, as well as international figures including Ray Bradbury, Clifford Simak and Gunter Grass. Dilov Jr said the collection has been assembled over three generations and added that more books will be donated by the end of the year. He also announced the revival of the Graviton science fiction award, founded by his father Lyuben Dilov and Agop Melkonyan. The award will be presented again after a 20-year hiatus during the Fantastichen Burgas festival in June. As part of the event, a new short sci-fi story competition will be launched, themed around local landmarks, with the first edition dedicated to the Beglik Tash Thracian sanctuary. The best entries will be awarded and published in a collection the following year. Dilov Jr added that top projects from a history-themed video competition organized by the Regional History Museum will also receive awards at the DOCK documentary film festival in the autumn. Bulgaria https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103548-measles-cases-registered-in-bulgaria-reach-101 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103548-measles-cases-registered-in-bulgaria-reach-101 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 19:58:10 +0300 A total of 101 cases of measles have been registered in Bulgaria, the Health Ministry announced on Facebook on Thursday. The cases have been reported in five regions of the country. The biggest number of cases have been registered in Vratsa - 80. Twelve cases have been reported in the Pleven Region, six in the Lovech Region, two in Sofia City, and one in the Sofia Region. According to data from the Health Ministry, 89% of those infected are children. There are 11 adult patients, ranging in age from 19 to 53. More than half of those infected are unvaccinated, and the immunization status is unknown for seven of the patients. For the rest, the vaccination has been registered. Since the outbreak began in the country, over 13,000 vaccines against measles, mumps, and rubella have been administered. The highest number of children that have been vaccinated are in the regions of Sofia City (2,291), Plovdiv (1,243), Burgas (1,045), and Vratsa (768). In connection with the upcoming holidays, the Health Ministry reminds the public that the measles virus is highly contagious. "For your safety, avoid contact with sick individuals to reduce the likelihood of becoming infected and contracting measles if you have not been vaccinated or previously had the disease," experts urge.  On March 19, the Ministry reported eight confirmed cases of measles in the municipality of Byala Slatina, Vratsa Region. At that time, the Health Ministry ordered an emergency measles vaccination campaign nationwide for all children who had missed their vaccinations. In Bulgaria, measles vaccination is mandatory and must be administered at 13 months of age and in the year the child turns 12. Bulgaria Risida Dimitrova Lilia Yordanova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103523-caretaker-regional-minister-meets-protesting-road-assistance-operators https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103523-caretaker-regional-minister-meets-protesting-road-assistance-operators Thu, 09 Apr 2026 19:27:29 +0300 Caretaker Regional Development Minister Nikolay Naydenov met with representatives of the Association of Specialized Road Assistance Providers in Bulgaria, who staged a protest earlier on Thursday, the ministry's press office said. Naydenov said the Road Infrastructure Agency is responsible for building and maintaining safe national roads, but should not provide transport services. "Road assistance is a matter for the free market," he added, calling for clear rules to ensure road safety. The meeting discussed setting up a working group with institutional experts and industry representatives to develop a mechanism for providing roadside assistance under fair market conditions. The minister also committed to reviewing European practices on the issue. Earlier, Naydenov held a separate meeting with other road assistance companies that distanced themselves from the association. Bulgaria Yoanna Vodenova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103505-northwest-bulgaria-a-priority-radev-says-at-vidin-campaign-launch https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103505-northwest-bulgaria-a-priority-radev-says-at-vidin-campaign-launch Thu, 09 Apr 2026 19:01:24 +0300 Progressive Bulgaria leader Rumen Radev met his supporters at Festivalna Sports Hall in Vidin, the coalition’s campaign headquarters announced on Thursday. Radev presented the formation as an alternative for restoring trust in the state. Among the main priorities, Radev highlighted the "dismantling of the oligarchic model", including the replacing of the members of the Supreme Judicial Council and the prosecutor general. According to Radev, this is a key step toward the cutting off of the oligarchy’s access to public resources. In the field of economy, Progressive Bulgaria proposes strict financial oversight, an audit of key public procurement contracts, and a new model for supporting business and investment. "Our ambition is to establish clear rules, security, and decent incomes for citizens," Radev said. He criticized the government's request to Brussels to monitor "external hybrid attacks", claiming that this is a ploy to discredit the electoral process. Radev called for "full mobilization" in defence of democratic rights, the announcement said. Radev identified the construction of the Vidin–Botevgrad road section and the establishment of an industrial zone as priorities for the region. According to him, the Northwest has been a victim of governance without a vision for the future for years. People in the region are viewed solely as voters, he said. At the meeting, the party’s list for the Vidin Constituency was presented. Radev called on citizens to vote actively "for the accelerated development of Bulgaria". Former Regional Development and Public Works Minister Ivan Shishkov, Progressive Bulgaria's top-of-the-list candidate for Vratsa, also attended the event. Bulgaria Risida Dimitrova BTA correspondent Rosen Mladenov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103485-caretaker-interior-minister-dechev-warns-of-public-officials-attempting-to-influ https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103485-caretaker-interior-minister-dechev-warns-of-public-officials-attempting-to-influ Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:50:35 +0300 Public officials are attempting to exert improper influence over the electoral process, Bulgaria’s caretaker Interior Minister Emil Dechev said at a briefing in Ruse. He cited specific cases involving a mayor in northwestern Bulgaria and a deputy mayor in a border town. “In one case in northwestern Bulgaria, a mayor distributed social aid provided by a foundation, placing campaign leaflets of a political party participating in the current elections inside the envelopes. Pre-trial proceedings have been initiated,” said Dechev. “In another case, a deputy mayor of a border town offered an individual to take part in vote-buying, proposing a set amount to be paid to each voter willing to sell their vote, while also suggesting what portion of the money the intermediary could keep.” He added that the Interior Ministry would be uncompromising toward members of parliament and parliamentary candidates despite their immunity, noting that there is a case involving a mayor who is also a candidate for MP. Dechev paid a visit to Ruse alongside Deputy Interior Minister Kaloyan Miltenov and acting Interior Ministry Secretary General Georgi Kandev as part of a nationwide tour that includes meetings with the leadership of all regional directorates of the Interior Ministry. The Minister reported that signals of election-related violations have increased by several hundred percent compared with those reported in October 2024, leading to an increase in pre-trial proceedings, detentions, and warning protocols. Earlier on Thursday, in Ruse’s neighbouring regional centre of Silistra, Dechev said the leadership change in the regional Interior Ministry directorate there was aimed at boosting police efficiency, expressing confidence that the new director, Senior Commissioner Pesho Petrov, will handle election-related challenges and strengthen public trust. Bulgaria BTA Intern Theodora Lubenova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103497-bsp-united-left-meets-with-hunters-and-anglers-union https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103497-bsp-united-left-meets-with-hunters-and-anglers-union Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:48:18 +0300 Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) Deputy Chair Atanas Merdzhanov told the leadership of the National Hunters' and Anglers' Union (NHAU) that protecting Bulgaria's nature, its forests and biodiversity are inherently left-wing values which the BSP – United Left coalition will uphold in the next parliament, the coalition said in a press release on Thursday Merdzhanov noted that the NHAU is one of the oldest organizations in Bulgaria, founded in 1898, with a membership of over 120,000 people, and deserves to be recognized as an official partner of the state. During the meeting, the BSP – United Left expressed support for legislative amendments to address contradictions and gaps in the legal framework concerning hunting and recreational fishing. The need for stricter control over poaching was emphasized, including increasing penalties, which have not been updated since 2000. Representing the BSP–United Left coalition at the meeting were also Gabriel Valkov, head of the BSP–United Left list in Sofia Constituency 23, the leader in Blagoevgrad Constituency 1, Gergana Ormanlieva, and the Chair of the Blagoevgrad Regional BSP Council, Valeri Sarandev, who also sits on the NHAU Management Board. The MP candidates expressed their readiness to cooperate on the topics discussed in the 52nd National Assembly. The meeting was held ahead of the early parliamentary elections on April 19. Bulgaria Valentin Evstatiev https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103443-mrf-alerts-european-institutions-us-congress-over-alleged-interior-ministry-ele https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1103443-mrf-alerts-european-institutions-us-congress-over-alleged-interior-ministry-ele Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:02:15 +0300 The Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) has notified European institutions and the US Congress of alleged gross interference by Bulgaria's Interior Ministry in the electoral process ahead of the April 19 parliamentary elections, the party said on Thursday. The signals call for an investigation into the actions of the caretaker Government, and in particular the Interior Ministry, which are presented as "countering crimes against citizens’ voting rights related to the buying and selling of votes." The complaints cite a number of violations, including abuse of power and official position, unlawful searches and seizures, detention and coercion, psychological pressure and intimidation, MRF added. On Wednesday, caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov said that a total of 223 people have so far been detained for election-related offences. He stressed that the caretaker Cabinet will not enter the party political arena, but will fight against vote brokers and those seeking to hijack democracy. Bulgaria Tatiana Marinova Desislava Peeva