site.btaWhether Businessman Gergov Takes Control of International Fair Plovdiv Hinges on Finance Minister, DB Says

Whether businessman Georgi Gergov ultimately takes control of the International Fair Plovdiv and acquires the power to liquidate it depends on Prime Minister Rumen Radev and, personally, Finance Minister Galab Donev, according to a statement released by Democratic Bulgaria's (DB) press office on Wednesday.

Under a ruling by the Supreme Court of Cassation issued on July 29, the State's proper legal representative in the case concerning the fair is not the economy minister - as the lawsuit was originally filed three years ago over ownership of a 29% stake in the International Fair Plovdiv - but the finance minister. The court has given Donev one week to confirm all procedural actions taken by the State in the case since 2023. The deadline begins once the Finance Ministry receives the court's ruling, the coalition said.

If Donev confirms those actions, the case will proceed. If he does not, it will be terminated on procedural grounds without the ownership dispute being decided on its merits. "This would clear the way for the transfer of the Varna-held shares (the 29% stake in question) to a company controlled by Georgi Gergov," the coalition said.

"We call on Prime Minister Rumen Radev to honour his promise to fight oligarchy. We urge him, as prime minister, to protect the public interest. Today, through his Finance Minister Galab Donev, Radev has the opportunity to prove that he did not mislead the Bulgarian people. Today he must fulfill his responsibilities and protect the International Fair Plovdiv from businessman Georgi Gergov," DB said.

In August 2023, the Plovdiv Appellate Court upheld a lower court ruling suspending the registration of Varna Municipality's 29% stake in International Fair Plovdiv as an in-kind contribution to Georgi Gergov's company, Puldin Tourinvest.