"Between two stools". This is the headline adopted by German daily newspaper "Süddeutsche Zeitung" to describe the Bulgarian government's stance over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It is difficult for the country to take a clear position on the war, in sharp contrast with neighboring Romania, notes Catherine Calvert in her article.
Kiril Petkov is new chairman of the National Council for Anti-Corruption
Prime Minister Kiril Petkov is to become the new chairman of the National Council for Anti-Corruption Policies, the government announced today. The body, established in 2015, is tasked with overseeing advisory, coordination, and control functions in the fight against corruption, as well as implementing measures to prevent and tackle the problem. To date, the Council has been headed by Deputy Prime Ministers. "The Prime Minister's position demonstrates his political will, as well as that of the entire cabinet, to work resolutely to bolster the anti-corruption fight," commented the head of Mr Petkov's cabinet, Lena Borislavova.
Bulgaria notches lowest electricity price in 5 weeks
After a few weeks of exorbitant tariffs, electricity prices in Europe began to fall slightly. And today Bulgaria registered the lowest price in Europe - 314. 58 levs / mWh. This is the lowest price recorded on a weekday since February 22 - two days before Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The recent warming of the weather in Europe, which reduces the need for heating, is one factor behind the fall. But, in Bulgaria, it could also be explained by the activity of hydropower plants - there has likely been an increased supply of electricity from these plants and this has stemmed the price rises seen in other countries.
Goodbye, masks?
The extraordinary measures in place to tackle the Covid epidemic will officially end on April 1, Minister of Health Asena Serbezova confirmed today. This means wearing masks in closed public places will no longer be mandatory, likewise the rules on social distancing, restrictions on the number of people allowed to access public arenas and restrictions on face-to-face training in higher education. The current ban on visits to hospitals and social care centers will also be lifted.
However, the Chief State Health Inspector Angel Kunchev said that wearing masks on public transport, and in hospitals, as well ain large indoor gatherings, is still highly recommended for vulnerable groups.
"Between two stools". This is the headline adopted by German daily newspaper "Süddeutsche Zeitung" to describe the Bulgarian government's stance over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It is difficult for the country to take a clear position on the war, in sharp contrast with neighboring Romania, notes Catherine Calvert in her article.
