The day in 3 news: Czech billionaire dies, no new lockdown measures, 6 parties in the next parliament

Mr Kellner and the PPF Group

The day in 3 news: Czech billionaire dies, no new lockdown measures, 6 parties in the next parliament

Mr Kellner and the PPF Group

© Ppf


Today is the first big economic debate between the main parties in Bulgaria, organized by Capital Weekly. It can be viewed here. Don't expect fireworks though - we're approaching the end of a rather dull campaign. Yet in a country where real political debates have become a rarity and the ruling party usually avoids discussing concrete topics, it serves as a reminder of the nature of democracy.

Petr Kellner dies

The 56-year old Czech billionaire and bTV Media Group owner died yesterday during a heli-ski vacation in Alaska. Kellner and several other people were aboard a helicopter when it crashed in a remote area. According to Forbes, Kellner was amongst the 20 wealthiest people in Europe. His PPF group had invested heavily in Bulgaria recently. Apart from one of the national TV groups, PPF owns one of the three big telecoms - Telenor Bulgaria. The group also operates in Serbia, Montenegro, and Hungary.

No lockdown after 31 of March...maybe

Prime Minister Boyko Borissov today denied rumors that the lockdown would be extended beyond the end of March. The press release from the government states that Borissov "rejected fake news about new strict measures and state of emergency". "We have provided financing for the coronavirus situation until May. The next government will decide what to do from there on; that is democracy," said Borissov.

Bulgaria expects the number of vaccinated people to reach half a million this week and "green corridors" for mass vaccination have been re-opened.

30% of citizens favor delaying vote because of pandemic but 48% disagree

A week before the elections GERB remains the biggest party while maintaining a 5% lead over the Socialist party, a "Market links" poll shows. The party of TV showman Slavi Trifonov remains in third place.

Several other parties benefiting from the nationwide protest last year - "Democratic Bulgaria" and "Stand Up, out with the thugs", look set to enter parliament, as well as the Turkish MRF party. Current coalition partners in the government - the nationalistic VMRO, remain below the 4% barrier for entry.

Today is the first big economic debate between the main parties in Bulgaria, organized by Capital Weekly. It can be viewed here. Don't expect fireworks though - we're approaching the end of a rather dull campaign. Yet in a country where real political debates have become a rarity and the ruling party usually avoids discussing concrete topics, it serves as a reminder of the nature of democracy.

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