https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/rss Sun, 03 May 2026 02:33:18 +0300 en hourly 1 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1118266-president-iotova-to-attend-8th-european-political-community-summit-in-yerevan https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1118266-president-iotova-to-attend-8th-european-political-community-summit-in-yerevan Sat, 02 May 2026 17:23:52 +0300 President Iliana Iotova will visit tYerevan to take part in the 8th summit of the European Political Community on May 3 and 4, her press secretariat said. The forum, which will bring together nearly 50 heads of state and government, will be held under the motto “Building the Future: Unity and Stability in Europe.” For the first time, a non-European guest country, Canada, will participate, represented by Prime Minister Mark Carney. On Sunday, May 3, the head of State will hold meetings with Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Iotova will also visit the 131st Peyo Yavorov Primary School in Yerevan, named after the renowned Bulgarian poet, where Bulgarian folklore is studied. On Monday, May 4, President Iotova will participate in a high-level event on the impact of the Vertical Gas Corridor on regional energy security.” The Vertical Gas Corridor is a strategic initiative aimed at ensuring energy security and diversifying natural gas supplies for countries in Southeastern, Eastern, and Central Europe. Within the framework of the summit, Iotova will take part in an event "European Coalition Against Drugs". Iotova's address will focus on transport and energy connectivity in Europe. On the sidelines of the forum, the head of State will meet with Greek President Konstantinos Tasoulas. Bulgaria Petya Petrova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1118235-national-commemoration-is-held-in-historic-oborishte-area-to-mark-150th-annivers https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1118235-national-commemoration-is-held-in-historic-oborishte-area-to-mark-150th-annivers Sat, 02 May 2026 15:35:00 +0300 A nationwide commemoration marking the 150th anniversary of the outbreak of the April Uprising was held in the historic area of Oborishte. The event began with the opening of the fully renovated Alley of Freedom, which runs from the outskirts of Panagyurishte to the foot of the monument in Oborishte, where attendees paid their respects. “During the long years of oppression, the people repeatedly tried to continue their historical path. It is not easy to stop a nation that has proven it is worthy of existence. These attempts to achieve freedom were filled with blood, pain, and tears, but not despair. There comes a moment when the smoldering desire for freedom among Bulgarians erupts, and its highest expression is the April rebellion. After the long five-century winter, the April Uprising is the Bulgarian spring. Longings turn into actions, oaths into bullets,” said Ivan Lalov, Chairman of the Municipal Council of Panagyurishte, in his address before the monument at Oborishte. “To have April 20, we first needed Oborishte. Here, on April 14, 1876, delegates from near and far parts of the revolutionary district gathered along the rebel trails, united in spirit. All of them believed that there would be a free Bulgaria. Oborishte marks the beginning of the Bulgarian parliamentary tradition. Let us pause and transport ourselves to the days and nights of April 1876. Years ago, Prof. Marko Semov said that in Oborishte and Panagyurishte, the Bulgarian National Revival reached its culmination, and the national awareness of our mission in history was most strongly expressed. Oborishte and Panagyurishte remained the two eyes through which our destiny looks toward today and tomorrow,” Lalov concluded. The event was attended by members of parliament, Panagyurishte Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov, Panagyurishte Municipal Council Chairman Ivan Lalov, municipal councillors, representatives of the management of Asarel-Medet AD, Bulgarian News Agency Kiril Valchev, the Bulgarian National Radio Director General Milen Mitev, Constitutional Court judge Atanas Semov, Sofia University Rector Prof. Georgi Valchev, Silvia Georgieva, Executive Director of the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria, along with other representatives of state and local authorities. Wreaths and floral tributes were laid at the site. Bulgaria Petya Petrova BTA correspondent Gergana Kurtakova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1118228-renovated-alley-of-freedom-in-historic-oborishte-area-is-unveiled https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1118228-renovated-alley-of-freedom-in-historic-oborishte-area-is-unveiled Sat, 02 May 2026 15:12:14 +0300 The fully renovated Alley of Freedom in Panagyurishte was unveiled on Saturday. The road, stretching 7 kilometers from the outskirts of the town to the foot of the Apriltsi Monument in the historic area of Oborishte, was rebuilt through an initiative funded by donations exceeding EUR 2 million from Asarel-Medet AD. The occasion marks the 150th anniversary of the outbreak of the April Uprising. The opening ceremony was attended by members of parliament, Panagyurishte Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov, Municipal Council Chairman Ivan Lalov, Pazardzhik Regional Governor Lyubomir Gechev, municipal councillors, representatives of Asarel-Medet AD, Bulgarian News Agency Director General Kiril Valchev, and Bulgarian National Radio Director General Milen Mitev. Originally built in 1976, the alley connects Panagyurishte with the historic area of Oborishte. It begins as an asphalt path from the edge of the town, continues as a forest eco-trail, and extends into a commemorative historical route leading visitors to the monument of the First Bulgarian Grand National Assembly. “This place is sacred. One hundred and fifty years ago, it gathered the finest people of the region - the courage and determination of our ancestors, who declared their sincere desire to be free and not live on their knees. Respect for their memory brings us together, and it should be so,” said Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov, who presented a commemorative plaque to Dimitar Tsotsorkov as a representative of the management team of Asarel-Medet AD. Gagov said that Asarel-Medet AD is a company led by patriotic leaders and added that 50 years ago the alley was created by a youth brigade under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Lachezar Tsotsorkov. “Asarel-Medet AD and all of us have a duty to our ancestors, because they accomplished great things. Bulgarians should dream more boldly, because we are in no way behind our European and global partners. We will continue our corporate tradition of donating to the development of Panagyurishte and Bulgaria. This is an example for our children, so they can carry on the historical spirit and the spark of patriotism. This anniversary project was our duty to our present. It is the largest in the Fourth Revolutionary District, implemented in honor of the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising. It is inspired by our respect,” said Eng. Nikolay Peltekov, Executive Director of Asarel-Medet AD. Bulgaria Petya Petrova BTA correspondent Presiana Valkanova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1118178-parties-spent-over-eur-913-000-on-election-campaign-ads-most-in-small-number-of https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1118178-parties-spent-over-eur-913-000-on-election-campaign-ads-most-in-small-number-of Sat, 02 May 2026 13:44:13 +0300 An analysis of party advertisements during the campaign for the April 19 elections shows the formations running for Parliament spent over EUR 913,000 (excluding VAT) on ads, most of these resources (42.52%) going into online media ads. The parties' ad expenses were concentrated in a limited number of media, mostly TV channels, according to the analysis published by the Institute for Public Environment Development on Saturday. The analysis is based on data from the official websites of 38 national and regional media (8 TV channels, 3 radio stations, 11 newspapers, and 16 information sites and agencies). The formation that spent the most on ads was Progressive Bulgaria (EUR 196,219.42). The remaining top ten spenders were Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (EUR 172,157.23), Vazrazhdane (EUR 163,691.13), GERB-UDF (EUR 61,712.27), BSP – United Left (EUR 55,834.64), MRF (EUR 32,121.63), Velichie (EUR 29,479), and Siyanie (EUR 25,147), Blue Bulgaria (EUR 20,861.43), and the Anti-Corruption Block (EUR 19,074.84). By media, the biggest share of ad expenses went to online media (42.52%), followed by other TV channels (35.15%), Bulgarian National Television (7.87%), other radio service providers (6.9%), print media (6.44%), and Bulgarian National Radio (1.12%). The data reveal persisting issues in election campaign advertising, the Institute said. Among the problems are: lack of label for paid content; failure to publish contracts; publication of agreements with political parties, but in a format that does not make it clear what services they cover; difficulty in tracking contracts for media packages and channelling these funds to legal entities affiliated with the parties.   The data also point to varying approaches in political formations' communication with voters. Traditional media, especially television, remain important, but are used according to party strategies and the current context. Major parties seek national reach and support. Some of them diversify the types of media they invest in during the campaign (television, radio, online, print), while others direct the bulk of their funds primarily toward the three major TV channels in the country (Bulgarian National Television, bTV, and Nova TV). Smaller parties, on the other hand, most often use media packages, with oversight of how these funds are spent often remaining minimal. For some participants, media packages are the primary or sole resource in the campaign.  In recent years, there has been a growing preference for online platforms and social media, which offer more affordable prices, longer-form engagement, a lack of moderation, and much easier audience targeting. In the current campaign, however, there has been a slight shift away from this trend due to the ban on political advertising on Meta, but the full picture will become clear after the parties’ final financial reports are published, the Institute said. Bulgaria Dimitrina Solakova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1118181-2026-motorcycle-season-opens-in-sofia-with-call-to-follow-traffic-laws https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1118181-2026-motorcycle-season-opens-in-sofia-with-call-to-follow-traffic-laws Sat, 02 May 2026 12:41:39 +0300 The 2026 motorcycle season 2026 was officially opened in Sofia with a call to comply with the Road Traffic Act during a ceremony held in Alexander Nevsky Square on Saturday. Father Kostadin led a water blessing ritual and delivered a message encouraging tolerance among all road users. Dozens of motorcyclists rode along central city boulevards toward their final destination in the Boyana area. “Motorcyclists are back on the road - watch out for them and follow the rules,” said Lyubomir Zhingov, a member of the Sofia Motorcyclists Association, speaking to journalists at the opening. Zhingov advised riders to stay cautious and drive carefully. “With this opening, we want to tell drivers that we are back on the road now that the weather is getting warmer. I call for attention from both motorcyclists and drivers, because everyone wants to get home safely,” he said. He stressed that all road users must first and foremost follow the Road Traffic Act, and secondly, drive at an appropriate speed. He noted that Bulgaria’s road infrastructure is not at Western European levels, which can contribute to traffic accidents. The Sofia Motorcyclists Association also raised the issue of year-round third-party liability insurance, arguing that it is unnecessary to pay for a full calendar year when motorcycles are used only during the warmer months. The association is scheduled to meet next week with representatives of the Financial Supervision Commission, with the national ombudsman also expected to attend. Bulgaria Petya Petrova Sofia Gospodinova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1118145-spill-of-hazardous-pesticides-found-at-agricultural-warehouses-in-vardim https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1118145-spill-of-hazardous-pesticides-found-at-agricultural-warehouses-in-vardim Sat, 02 May 2026 10:55:47 +0300 A spill of hazardous plant protection products has been discovered during an ongoing official inspection by the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) at the warehouses of a large agricultural holding in the northern village of Vardim, near Svishtov (on the Danube). A few days ago, huge quantities of banned or expired pesticides and fertilizers were found there, the BFSA said on Saturday. In the presence of a criminal investigator from the Svishtov District Directorate of the Interior, officials from the BFSA Central Directorate and the Veliko Tarnovo Regional Food Safety Directorate observed a spill into the soil in front of unregulated warehouses. The substance in question is a yellow liquid of unknown origin with the odor of a pesticide. In the immediate vicinity, in a body of stagnant water with a brownish-yellow colour, the officials found empty metal drums labelled as a plant protection product containing the active ingredient pendimethalin. Next to them were 54 1,000-litre drums labelled as liquid fertilizer containing nitrogen and phosphorus. If pesticides seep into the soil, there is a risk of drinking water contamination, the BFSA warned. Pendimethalin is a persistent and toxic substance with a half-life in soil exceeding 120 days. Products containing it are classified as acutely and chronically hazardous to the aquatic environment and highly toxic to aquatic organisms with long-lasting effects. A representative of the company that owns the warehouses was present during the inspection but refused to sign the inspection report. The company will be issued statements of violation, and the prohibited and unsuitable chemicals and fertilizers found must be destroyed. The violations established have been referred to the National Police, the General Directorate of Fire Safety and Civil Protection, the Danube Region Basin Directorate, the Directorate General for Combating Organized Crime, the Regional Inspectorate for Environment and Water, the Regional Health Inspectorate, and the District Prosecution Office in Veliko Tarnovo. The BFSA is counting on the prompt intervention of the competent authorities to test the soil and water in the village, as well as on the cooperation of the police, to prevent the destruction of evidence of a possible crime. Bulgaria Dimitrina Solakova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1118075-metropolitan-of-plovdiv-it-was-orthodox-faith-that-defeated-slavery https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1118075-metropolitan-of-plovdiv-it-was-orthodox-faith-that-defeated-slavery Fri, 01 May 2026 22:10:29 +0300 In a speech during the observances of 150 years since the April Uprising here on Friday, Metropolitan of Plovdiv Nikolay said that it was not someone else, but the Orthodox faith that defeated slavery. The day's celebrations culminated in a ceremonial tattoo at 20 April Square in Panagyurishte, attended by President Iliana Iotova, National Assembly Chair Mihaela Dotsova, Panagyurishte Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov, Panagyurishte Municipal Council Chairman Ivan Lalov, BTA Director General Kiril Valchev, representatives of local authorities, and members of Parliament. "Let our eyes turn to this cross, and let our hearts bow before it," Metropolitan Nikolay said further. He explained that the cross before him was the altar cross from the church in the village of Poibrene, the same cross that led Bulgaria to its Liberation. "With this cross, at this very spot in the town of Panagyurishte, the flag sewn by Princess Rayna was consecrated, and it was with this cross that Georgi Benkovski’s band of fighters was blessed,” he said, referring to key figures in the April Uprising. According to him, it was before this very cross that the heroes took their oaths, prayed, and kissed before battle. "Before this cross, death was transformed into immortality," Metropolitan Nikolay noted.  He added that just as Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross so that He might rise again, so too was the uprising crucified on this cross, but Bulgaria rose again.   Culture Dimitrina Solakova BTA correspondent Presiana Valkanova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1117842-celebrations-of-april-uprising-150th-anniversary-open-in-panagyurishte https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1117842-celebrations-of-april-uprising-150th-anniversary-open-in-panagyurishte Fri, 01 May 2026 11:09:00 +0300 The celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising in Panagyurishte began on Friday with a religious procession, a ceremony for raising the Bulgarian flag, and a memorial service at the Holy Presentation of the Virgin Mary church. The procession started from the town’s History Museum and was led by one of the sacred relics of the uprising, the Poibrene Cross. “This is the cross that accompanied the Flying Detachment. We are excited that it will mark the beginning of our festive day. Afterwards, a memorial service is planned at the church Holy Presentation of the Virgin Mary, and after that we continue with a living tableau. With it, we will show the march of statehood that was organized 150 years ago right on these streets,” Panagyurishte Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov told BTA. “The atmosphere in Panagyurishte is very different. I am extremely happy that many children and young people took part in all the activities and events we are organizing,” he added. The message that Gagov wants to convey through the celebrations is: “Freedom does not remain silent, because it must revive our memory, and memory is what we are,” he said. Later in the day, the celebrations continued with the historical reenactment “Courage and Sacrifice – Panagyurishte 1876." It took place at the Apriltsi Memorial Complex. Historically accurate scenes were reenacted depicting the declaration of the uprising in the capital of the Fourth Revolutionary District, the rebels’ heroic ten-day defence of Panagyurishte, and the bloody, dramatic events that accompanied the suppression of the uprising. Shortly afterwards, the audio-visual installation “Panagyurishte 1876 – a Sanctuary of the National Spirit!” was opened at the town’s History Museum. The ribbon was cut by President Iliana Iotova, Panagyurishte Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov, Panagyurishte History Museum Director Atanas Shopov, donor Dimitar Tsotsorkov, and Municipal Council Chairman Ivan Lalov. In her speech, Iotova said that the legacy left to Bulgarians by the participants in the April Uprising is to love the homeland and to know that, no matter what happens, the people will endure as long as they remain united. She added that there can be no small or large nations; there are only united and divided ones.  The celebrations culminated in a ceremonial tattoo at 20 April Square on Friday evening. The event was attended by President Iotova, National Assembly Chair Mihaela Dotsova, Panagyurishte Mayor Gagov, Panagyurishte Municipal Council Chairman Lalov, Metropolitan of Plovdiv Nikolay, BTA Director General Kiril Valchev, representatives of local authorities, and members of Parliament.  In her speech, President Iotova said that Panagyurishte is not just the freedom-loving heart of the Bulgarian revolution but also the capital of rebellious Bulgaria. In her words, only those who have never come into contact with the people of Panagyurishte do not know with what great reverence, with how highly raised heads they preserve the memory of the April Uprising - the days of rapture, of freedom, of conscious self-sacrifice. "This is the Bulgarian April Uprising - a dream of freedom, of a homeland, of a state, of equality, of independence. It was precisely in these streets and squares of Panagyurishte in 1876 that the voice of the Bulgarian revival rang out loud and clear. Of the revived tradition of the Bulgarian state," she added.  Panagyurishte Mayor Gagov said that the Uprising was a lesson in how to die for freedom. "Today, the world is once again trying to speak the language of fear, through wars. We are forced to choose the side of the victor or the side of the vanquished - a choice that brings us no peace," he noted. "Here in Bulgaria, traditions are crumbling like a withered tree. Our children are leaving with suitcases heavier than their roots. I am convinced that together we will succeed in creating a new, thriving home for our entire community, so that we can provide the necessary care for our dreams and our children," added Gagov. Metropolitan of Plovdiv Nikolay said that it was not someone else, but "the Orthodox faith that defeated slavery." Bulgaria Petya Petrova BTA correspondent Presiana Valkanova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1118059-president-iotova-panagyurishte-is-capital-of-rebellious-bulgaria https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1118059-president-iotova-panagyurishte-is-capital-of-rebellious-bulgaria Fri, 01 May 2026 21:50:00 +0300 In a speech during the observances of 150 years since the April Uprising here on Friday, President Iliana Iotova said that Panagyurishte is not just the freedom-loving heart of the Bulgarian revolution but also the capital of rebellious Bulgaria. The day's celebrations culminated in a ceremonial tattoo at 20 April Square in Panagyurishte.  The event was also attended by National Assembly Chair Mihaela Dotsova, Panagyurishte Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov, Panagyurishte Municipal Council Chairman Ivan Lalov, BTA Director General Kiril Valchev, representatives of local authorities, and members of Parliament.  Iotova also said that every Bulgarian city cherishes in its heart the ancient history of the beloved homeland - "cities that have become symbols of the long-suffering and immortal Bulgarian cause, cities that have forever linked their names to the most important, the most decisive moments in our shared destiny." Among them is Panagyurishte, she added. In her words, only those who have never come into contact with the people of Panagyurishte do not know with what great reverence, with how highly raised heads they preserve the memory of the April Uprising - the days of rapture, of freedom, of conscious self-sacrifice. "This is the Bulgarian April Uprising - a dream of freedom, of a homeland, of a state, of equality, of independence. It was precisely in these streets and squares of Panagyurishte in 1876 that the voice of the Bulgarian revival rang out loud and clear. Of the revived tradition of the Bulgarian state," she added.  "A new horizon dawned, a horizon of a new era; the world once again made history, once again opened its pages to the Bulgarian people, and there, boldly, with the power of light, entered the fiery Benkovski, the noble Volov, the enlightened Bobekov, the fearless Rayna," Iotova went on to say, referring to key figures in the April Uprising. "At first glance, you might ask what connects these people, as if they were different characters, having nothing in common with one another, but that is not so - Bulgaria connects them; belonging to one people, to one idea of freedom connects them; the pure impulse of the suffering Bulgarian heart, which scorned death to bestow freedom upon others, connects them," the President added. "Today, there is no way we can list the names of all the heroes, of all the ordinary people who were part of the Bulgarian people’s struggle; there is no way we can describe all the facts, all the events; there is no way we can find the strongest words to express the tragedy and the grandeur. But today, we know and recognize the image of the burned-to-the-ground Panagyurishte - homes, schools, and churches - reduced to ashes so that a new Panagyurishte could be born, even bolder, even stronger, and even more patriotic," Iotova said further. Addressing those in the square, the President said that in the coming months, they will hear many words of praise for the heroes, but these months and weeks, when such an anniversary occurs, are a time for reflection. "Let us try to look through the eyes of our ancestors; let us run our fingers through the fabric of time - at once terrifying and majestic - and let us stand side by side with their images and measure ourselves against them, and see and feel the other beside us, and know that together we can better understand ourselves, but also understand others. Then, together, we will move forward to honour our beloved homeland," Iotova concluded. Bulgaria Dimitrina Solakova BTA Correspondent Gergana Kourtakova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1118067-panagyurishte-mayor-april-uprising-is-lesson-in-how-to-die-for-freedom https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1118067-panagyurishte-mayor-april-uprising-is-lesson-in-how-to-die-for-freedom Fri, 01 May 2026 21:28:00 +0300 In a speech during the observances of 150 years since the April Uprising here on Friday, Panagyurishte Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov said that the Uprising was a lesson in how to die for freedom. The day's celebrations culminated in a ceremonial tattoo at 20 April Square in Panagyurishte.  The event was also attended by President Iliana Iotova, National Assembly Chair Mihaela Dotsova, Panagyurishte Municipal Council Chairman Ivan Lalov, BTA Director General Kiril Valchev, representatives of local authorities, and members of Parliament.  "It has been 150 years since that April, when Panagyurishte became a tear in the eyes of our people - a tear that does not fall, but shines and illuminates the most terrifying yet most cherished Bulgarian memory - the 1876 Uprising. It did not choose silence; it gave us a voice with which we learned to sing and weep at the same time," Gagov said.  "Today, the world is once again trying to speak the language of fear, through wars. We are forced to choose the side of the victor or the side of the vanquished - a choice that brings us no peace," he noted. "Here in Bulgaria, traditions are crumbling like a withered tree. Our children are leaving with suitcases heavier than their roots. I am convinced that together we will succeed in creating a new, thriving home for our entire community, so that we can provide the necessary care for our dreams and our children," added Gagov. Bulgaria Dimitrina Solakova BTA Correspondent Gergana Kourtakova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1118053-audio-visual-installation-unveiled-on-panagyurishte-as-sanctuary-of-national-spi https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1118053-audio-visual-installation-unveiled-on-panagyurishte-as-sanctuary-of-national-spi Fri, 01 May 2026 21:07:00 +0300 An audio-visual installation “Panagyurishte 1876 – a Sanctuary of the National Spirit!” was unveiled here on Friday. The ribbon was cut by President Iliana Iotova, Panagyurishte Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov, Panagyurishte History Museum Director Atanas Shopov, donor Dimitar Tsotsorkov, and Municipal Council Chairman Ivan Lalov. The event was part of Panagyurishte's celebrations of 150 years since the April Uprising.  In her speech, Iotova said that the legacy left to Bulgarians by the participants in the April Uprising is to love the homeland and to know that, no matter what happens, the people will endure as long as they remain united. She added that there can be no small or large nations; there are only united and divided ones. "And if we want to move forward and develop our country, if we want Bulgaria to have its rightful place today among those European nations that Bulgarian revolutionaries dreamed of, we must stand together," Iotova added. Panagyurishte History Museum Director Shopov said that the April Uprising is a symbol of faith and hope, of the end of slavery and the beginning of boundless joy. History has assigned the Panagyurishte region a significant place in the struggle, which makes it a sanctuary of the national spirit, he noted. The Panagyurishte History Museum, with financial support from the Lachezar Tsotsorkov Foundation, has created its first-of-its-kind audiovisual installation, Shopov added.  Panagyurishte Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov thanked the representatives of the Lachezar Tsotsorkov Foundation for preserving Panagyurishte’s heritage and for their donation. He noted that philanthropy preserves the homeland and its memory.  Dimitar Tsotsorkov, sonn of Lachezar Tsotsorkov, said it was an honour and a privilege for him to attend. "I wish there were more people in the government and administration who would set an example and demonstrate their commitment through action. Success in Bulgaria must be based on the rule of law and transparency," he added.  Irina Boteva, Chief Curator of the Panagyurishte History Museum, announced during the event that the Lachezar Tsotsorkov Foundation will be awarded a certificate and a plaque as donors of exceptional significance.  Asarel Medet AD Executive Director Nikolay Peltekov said that the Lachezar Tsotsorkov Foundation is transforming museum work. Saturday marks the opening of the Alley of Freedom near the Oborishte area, which has been restored by the company. Peltekov emphasized that the alley was built for the 100th anniversary of the April Uprising and has now been restored as an anniversary donation initiative. Culture Dimitrina Solakova BTA Correspondent Gergana Kourtakova BTA correspondent Presiana Valkanova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1118043-drone-remains-destroyed-on-beach-northeast-of-elenite-resort https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1118043-drone-remains-destroyed-on-beach-northeast-of-elenite-resort Fri, 01 May 2026 20:29:00 +0300 A specialized team from the Burgas Naval Base, part of the Bulgarian Navy, carried out a mission to locate and destroy the remains of a drone that had washed ashore along the beach northeast of the Elenite resort, the Defence Ministry said in a press release Friday.  The object was identified as the nose section of a drone, containing two battery packs and approximately 200-300 grammes of explosive material.  Following an order from the Navy Commander, the object was destroyed on site in compliance with all safety measures.  The group responsible for the reconnaissance, marking, recovery, transport, and destruction of unexploded ordnance was activated by order of the Navy Commander, following a request from the Burgas Regional Governor and authorization from the Chief of Defence.  On April 26, specialized teams from the naval bases in Varna and Burgas, part of the Bulgarian Navy, inspected and transported drone debris discovered near Karadere and Ahtopol. On April 23, teams from the naval base in Burgas also discovered the engine of an air defence missile and a drone. Both objects were assessed as non-hazardous and taken to the base. Bulgaria Dimitrina Solakova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1118034-president-to-start-cabinet-formation-consultations-with-parliamentary-groups-on- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1118034-president-to-start-cabinet-formation-consultations-with-parliamentary-groups-on- Fri, 01 May 2026 19:47:16 +0300 President Iliana Iotova Friday said she will begin cabinet-forming consultations with the parliamentary groups on May 5. "These will be held with each group separately, as we have always done, to give everyone the opportunity to express their views on how they will work in the National Assembly going forward, how they plan to proceed with the 2026 state budget bill, whether we will have a new budget, what their legislative agenda will be, their priorities, and the projects under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan," Iotova told reporters in Panagyurishte.  "I very much hope there will be common ground among the different views, because we have no time to waste," the President added. Iotova was in Panagyurishte to mark the 150th anniversary of the outbreak of the April Uprising.  The consultations between the President and the parliamentary groups are part of the process of forming a regular government. Under the Constitution, the head of State consults the groups before handing a cabinet-forming mandate to the prime minister-designate of the largest group. In the 52nd National Assembly, that is Progressive Bulgaria led by former president Rumen Radev. Bulgaria Dimitrina Solakova BTA correspondent Presiana Valkanova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1118019-international-workers-day-marked-with-march-message-for-fair-pay-safety-at-wo https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1118019-international-workers-day-marked-with-march-message-for-fair-pay-safety-at-wo Fri, 01 May 2026 19:21:00 +0300 International Workers' Day was marked in Bulgaria on Friday with a march and messages for fair pay and safety at work.  International Workers' Day observes the historical struggles of workers and the labour movement on May 1. The day has been observed since 1890 by a resolution passed at the Paris Conference of the Second International in 1899. In Bulgaria, it has been observed since 1890, becoming an official holiday in 1939 and celebrated annually since 1945. On the occasion, President Iliana Iotova said in a Facebook post: “We celebrate rights fought for over generations. But today, the right to decent work and fair income, justice, and social security are being put to the test - not only in Bulgaria, but globally as well. It is unacceptable that in the 21st century, in a European Bulgaria, the category of the ‘working poor’ still exists; their high number is shameful. Bold and competent politicians are needed, ones who not only speak, but act, to ensure that people of honest labour, people with ability, ambition, and talent, are not suffocated by poverty and crushed self-esteem. On the contrary, their creative power should be encouraged. And that power is in the DNA of the Bulgarian people.”  Caretaker Labour Minister Hasan Ademov said in an interview on Nova TVA that the challenge for the next government is to develop a comprehensive long-term programme for income policy, which should be discussed with social partners. Social benefits must be preserved, Hasan Ademov stressed. According to him, careful consideration is needed regarding support for sectors where incomes are lagging behind. There is no measure that can completely stop inflation, as it is a consequence of what is happening in the economy and the surrounding environment, the Minister noted. Progressive Bulgaria leader Rumen Radev wrote on Facebook: "Happy May Day to all of you who, with talent and dedication, build and protect our homeland." He called for honouring the labour of others as "it is part of our dignity as human beings." "Gratitude to the generations who built today’s Bulgaria! To the unyielding people here and around the world to whom we owe today’s welfare state," Radev added.  While leading a procession on International Workers’ Day in Sofia, Podkrepa Labour Confederation President Dimitar Manolov said his message on the occasion of May 1 is for fair pay, safety at work, and prospects for workers in both the economy and the public sector. The procession was held under the slogan: “Security, jobs, wages! Now!” and was joined by BSP leader Krum Zarkov. Among the challenges facing workers, Manolov pointed to political instability and the turbulence related to the introduction of the euro. All of this affects the standard of living in Bulgaria, because wages are lagging behind prices and this must be corrected, the union leader said. Podkrepa has over 50 proposals related to strengthening the system of collective bargaining, including its introduction in the public administration, where such a mechanism does not currently exist, as well as easing the rules for organizing strikes, which he described as the workers’ most reliable tool, said Manolov. Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB) President Plamen Dimitrov told journalists there should be no drastic cuts in expenditures in the 2026 budget. According to him, the deficit could be kept within 3%. Dimitrov does not believe that Bulgaria’s finances are in a catastrophic state. “There are problems, but there is also a record surplus,” he said. CITUB will insist on a 10% increase of incomes, added Dimitrov. A longer and clearer vision for Bulgaria’s industrial development is another demand of the trade union. On May Day, CITUB presented an artificial intelligence (AI) platform that gives consultations on labour rights. Users will be able to ask questions and receive answers regarding working conditions, income, collective bargaining, and workplace rights. The website is already available, and access to it is free. CITUB said that this is the first union AI assistant in Europe. Economy Dimitrina Solakova Yuzlem Tefikova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1118002-progressive-bulgaria-leader-radev-congratules-on-may-day-everyone-building-and-p https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1118002-progressive-bulgaria-leader-radev-congratules-on-may-day-everyone-building-and-p Fri, 01 May 2026 17:59:16 +0300 On the occasion of International Workers' Day on May 1, Progressive Bulgaria leader Rumen Radev wrote on Facebook: "Happy May Day to all of you who, with talent and dedication, build and protect our homeland." He called for honouring the labour of others as "it is part of our dignity as human beings."  "Gratitude to the generations who built today’s Bulgaria! To the unyielding people here and around the world to whom we owe today’s welfare state," Radev added.  Bulgaria Dimitrina Solakova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1117997-over-200-people-participate-in-reenactment-of-1876-april-uprising-in-klisura https://www.bta.bg/en/news/culture/1117997-over-200-people-participate-in-reenactment-of-1876-april-uprising-in-klisura Fri, 01 May 2026 17:53:00 +0300 More than 200 amateur performers and representatives of patriotic organizations took part in a large-scale reenactment of the 1876 April Uprising in Klisura, Kalina Nedkova told BTA. She is a member of the Memory of Klisura Association, established to organize, support, and carry out the celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising and the reenactment of moments from the uprising in Klisura. She shared that the people of Klisura participate in these events every year, but this year’s anniversary requires greater efforts to be made to mark it appropriately.  According to her, the first major and large-scale reenactment of the April Uprising took place in 1926, exactly 100 years ago, and since then, with few exceptions, similar events have been organized every year to reenact moments from the uprising. This year, as always in Klisura, the reenactment began on May 1 with the proclamation of the April Uprising. The leaders delivered their impassioned speeches to the rebels in 20 April Square, after which everyone set off toward the Zli Dol area. There, the battles between the rebels and the Ottoman forces were reenacted, followed by the suppression of the uprising and the burning of the town. To mark this significant anniversary, the reenactment also featured, for the first time, the meeting of two correspondents with Grandpa Stayko, who was returning with his grandchildren and other residents of Klisura from Varlishnitsa after 38 days on the run, Nedkova explained. "Correspondents asked him where he was going, since Klisura had been razed to the ground. Then the old man asked them, 'Is the sky above Klisura still there?' They replied, 'Yes, the sky is there, just as it is here above us.' Then he said, 'As long as the sky is there, we will build a new Klisura,'" Nedkova told BTA. She added that Klisura was the second settlement to rise during the April Uprising but was set ablaze and burned first. This scene was the new element in the reenactment - the moment of hope that, after everything they had endured, the people of Klisura managed to raise Klisura from the ashes. The reenactment was organized with the cooperation of the Culture Ministry, the Municipality of Karlovo, the Klisura Mayor, the 20 April 1876 Community Centre in Klisura, the Klisura History Museum, and the Memory of Klisura Association. Culture Dimitrina Solakova BTA correspondent Tanya Blagova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1117807-president-iotova-on-international-workers-day-we-celebrate-rights-fought-for-o https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1117807-president-iotova-on-international-workers-day-we-celebrate-rights-fought-for-o Fri, 01 May 2026 09:33:36 +0300 “We celebrate rights fought for over generations. But today, the right to decent work and fair income, justice, and social security are being put to the test - not only in Bulgaria, but globally as well,” President Iliana Iotova said in a Facebook post on the occasion of May 1 - International Workers’ Day. “It is unacceptable that in the 21st century, in a European Bulgaria, the category of the ‘working poor’ still exists; their high number is shameful,” she said. “Bold and competent politicians are needed, ones who not only speak, but act, to ensure that people of honest labor, people with ability, ambition, and talent, are not suffocated by poverty and crushed self-esteem. On the contrary, their creative power should be encouraged. And that power is in the DNA of the Bulgarian people,” the President added. Bulgaria Petya Petrova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1117793-president-iotova-to-take-part-in-observances-of-april-uprising-150th-anniversary https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1117793-president-iotova-to-take-part-in-observances-of-april-uprising-150th-anniversary Fri, 01 May 2026 08:41:00 +0300 President Iliana Iotova will visit Panagyurishte on Friday to join observances of the 150th anniversary of the outbreak of the April Uprising, the press secretariat of the head of State said. The nationwide commemorations of this landmark anniversary are held under the auspices of President Iotova. At the ossuary of the Holy Presentation of the Virgin Mary church, which was burned down during the April Uprising, the head of State will pay tribute to those who died 150 years ago in the battle on the historic hill Manyovo Bardo. President Iotova will also meet with the mayor of Panagyurishte and representatives of the local authorities. At 8.30 pm, in the 20 April Square, the president and commander-in-chief will review the honorary formation of the National Guard Unit. The head of State will deliver a speech, after which a ceremonial tattoo is planned on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising. On April 27, the 150th anniversary of the declaration of the April Uprising was marked with a national ceremonial assembly held under the auspices of President Iotova. Bulgaria Petya Petrova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1117326-anti-corruption-fund-investigation-points-to-irregularities-in-public-procuremen https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1117326-anti-corruption-fund-investigation-points-to-irregularities-in-public-procuremen Thu, 30 Apr 2026 22:16:01 +0300 A new investigation by the Anti-Corruption Fund (ACF) has raised suspicions of irregularities and rigged public procurement contracts at four cultural institutions. The public procurement contracts for renovations and architectural supervision have a total value of nearly EUR 5 million and are being carried out at four institutions under the Culture Ministry: the Aleko Konstantinov State Satirical Theatre in Sofia, the Drama Theatre in Lovech, the Small City Theatre Behind the Canal in Sofia, and the National Educational Complex for Culture with a Lyceum for the Study of Italian Language and Culture (NUKK) in Sofia. Daniela Peneva, a legal expert at the ACF, commented that an analysis of the tender procedures reviewed by the ACF team reveals a number of irregularities and violations of the tender conditions. "The email correspondence we have, for its part, raises suspicions of rigged tenders with a predetermined selection of contractors," she noted. An analysis of the tender documentation shows that in five of the eight contracts reviewed, the winning companies have not completed projects with a similar scope in the past five years, as is required. One of the winning companies, Multi Stroi Comers EOOD, also fails to meet the financial criteria in the contract for the renovation of the NUKK building. The tender documentation for the renovation of the hall at the Small City Theatre Behind the Canal reveals yet another violation. In this case, the evaluation committee has disqualified candidates for non-compliance with the technical criteria after having already opened their price proposals. An ACF review shows that the contracts in question have been awarded either individually or through consortia to the companies Crypto Energy EOOD, Multi Stroi Comers EOOD, and D&D OOD. Publicly available information reveals numerous links between them. Two of the companies - Crypto Energy EOOD and Multi Stroi Comers EOOD - are linked to the same person, Petar Dyulgerov. The offices of both companies are located at the same address in Sofia. Dyulgerov's phone number is also listed as the contact for the company Theatral, which won the procurement procedure for the Small City Theatre Behind the Canal. Once again, Multi Stroi Comers and D&D are listed as partners in this venture. In the organization of all contracts, two names are present repeatedly - Ivan Sotirov and Kristian Sotirov. They are a father-and-son team of lawyers who have been hired by the contracting authorities as external experts to prepare the contract documentation, and they are also members of the committees that evaluate the candidates' proposals. The registration of Theatral was filed by attorney Ivan Sotirov. A member of the evaluation committee that selected the company as the contractor is Ivan Sotirov's son, Kristian Sotirov. ACF has an email communication dated May 16, 2024 that reveals details of the alleged scheme in the Satirical Theatre's contract for the preparation of a draft design and the exercise of author supervision. In the email, Ivan Sotirov, an external expert on the evaluation committee, sent internal documentation regarding the contract to multiple recipients, including Satirical Theatre Director Kalin Sarmenov and project manager Elena Trichkova. Also among the recipients was Crypto Energy EOOD, which was later selected as the contractor. "The email makes it clear that Dyulgerov's company, without any legal basis, obtained key information related to the contract at least six days before it was announced," Peneva said. "This is an obvious violation of the principle of equal treatment of participants in the public procurement process. It allows Crypto Energy EOOD to prepare its bid based on inside information that is not yet available to the other candidates," she added. The ACF reached out to project manager Trichkova for comment, who noted that the email communication containing internal information may have reached Dyulgerov by accident.   Peneva commented that the established links between the contracting firms, as well as the presence of the same external experts, raise the question of whether similar schemes involving collusion and access to internal information have also occurred in the other contracts. The ACF sent inquiries to the contracting authorities and the companies that won the contracts. In his responses, Dyulgerov did not address the substance of the questions regarding the connections between the companies that won the contracts, nor did he address possible links with the contracting authorities. The ACF will refer the identified irregularities to the State Financial Inspection Agency and the Culture Ministry, and will provide updates on the actions taken by these institutions. Bulgaria Dimitrina Solakova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1117394-eu-pay-transparency-directive-to-boost-fairness-and-talent-retention-says-deput https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1117394-eu-pay-transparency-directive-to-boost-fairness-and-talent-retention-says-deput Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:19:30 +0300 The EU Pay Transparency Directive will help businesses attract and retain top talent by introducing clear rules and fairness in remuneration, Deputy Labour and Social Policy Minister Nataliya Efremova said at the Next Level HR forum, the Ministry's press centre reported on Thursday. Efremova noted that the principle of equal pay between women and men is already enshrined in both European and Bulgarian legislation, but its effective implementation remains a challenge. Data show that the gender pay gap in Bulgaria exceeds 13% in favour of men, she said. Among the key changes in the directive is the requirement for employers to indicate a salary range in job advertisements. The practice of asking candidates about their previous pay is also banned. The aim is to prevent the perpetuation of existing inequalities, with particular focus placed on introducing objective and gender-neutral criteria for evaluating work. These will be based on four main elements – skills, effort, responsibilities and working conditions. The directive also guarantees employees’ right to information. They will be able to obtain data on average pay levels in their category. Where a pay gap of more than 5% is identified and cannot be justified by objective criteria, employers will be required to take measures to address it. A national monitoring body is also envisaged, which will collect and analyze data, track trends and perform a preventive function. Companies with 100 or more employees will be required to report the gender pay gap. Efremova said that Bulgaria is at an advanced stage of preparations for transposing the directive, with the main provisions to be incorporated into the Protection against Discrimination Act and supplemented by amendments to the Labour Code. The approach aims to avoid placing an unnecessary burden on businesses while ensuring effective implementation of the new rules. “The goal of implementing the directive is not to introduce sanctions, but prevention and achieving fairness. Ultimately, remuneration is the clearest measure of work, and fairness is the criterion for its value,” Efremova stressed. The implementation of the directive will contribute to a fairer and more competitive labour market, where companies investing in transparency and equality will have an advantage in attracting qualified staff and building sustainable teams, Efremova added. According to a regional survey by Manpower Bulgaria conducted between October and December 2025, Bulgarian companies continue to rely on increasing pay levels and offering more competitive benefits as their main strategy for retaining employees, but remain cautious about changes related to pay transparency and new EU-level regulations. Bulgaria Tatiana Marinova Borislava Bibinovska