GERB's controversial choice for Sofia race
Boyko Borissov's GERB officially announced its candidate for the Sofia mayor race - journalist Anton Hekimyan. The news emerged this morning after GERB had been hiding its nominee until the last possible moment.
Hekimyan was formerly in charge of the newsroom of the largest and most popular TV channel in Bulgaria - BTV. He left the position on Saturday, immediately triggering speculation that he was Borissov's candidate. He will face WCC-DB's Vasil Terziev and several other candidates from smaller parties.
The quickfire nomination also provoked questions about the perceived close relationship between BTV and GERB. Many political analysts claim that to jump from stewardship of the largest Bulgarian newsroom to a political race should not be done in such a manner.
Eurozone still a target
The government plans to write down in an official document the date "January 1, 2025" as the target for Bulgaria's membership of the eurozone. This foresees a draft government decree to amend the decree of July 2015 to establish a Coordination Council for Bulgaria's preparation for membership in the Eurozone.
The decision could be explained by finally establishing a date for Bulgaria's Eurozone targets. The ruling coalition (WCC-DB and GERB) is governing on the assumption that Bulgaria will join the eurozone and an official commitment has long been anticipated.
Is Covid back?
The chief state health inspector Angel Kunchev announced that over the last month there has been a 7-fold increase in Covid cases - from three per 100,000 people to 20.6 per 100,000 people.
However, severe cases are not growing so quickly. More than 200 people are currently being treated for the disease in hospitals, but only between 10 and 20 people are in intensive care units in an average week, and hardly any deaths have been reported.
GERB's controversial choice for Sofia race
Boyko Borissov's GERB officially announced its candidate for the Sofia mayor race - journalist Anton Hekimyan. The news emerged this morning after GERB had been hiding its nominee until the last possible moment.
