Peevski vows today's will be the last peaceful protest
Supporters of Delyan Peevski and his breakaway faction MRF-New Beginning, as well as fringe party Velichie, gathered in Sofia today to protest against claims by opponents of electoral fraud and vote-buying. Peevski told his supporters that they were not "phantoms" but rather his "family".
The recent election was beset by allegations of fraudulent voting and there have even been threats to partially annul the results.
Peevski cautioned that although today's demonstration would remain peaceful, further disrespect would not go unheeded. "This is the last time we will be civil and peaceful here before parliament. If they continue to disregard us, we will defend your rights with every democratic means available," he added, presumably referring to his political opponents.
Peevski then urged attendees to return home, emphasizing they had achieved their goal of showing their numbers. Protesters dispersed promptly following his request.
Prosecutors demand European arrest warrant for ex-Bulgarian Development Bank Director
The Sofia City Prosecutor's Office has submitted a request to the Sofia City Court for a European arrest warrant against Stoyan Mavrodiev, former director of the state-owned Bulgarian Development Bank.
Mavrodiev is wanted in connection with charges of large-scale embezzlement, alongside businessman Rumen Gaytanski and attorney Ivan Georgiev. The charges stem from an unsecured loan of 150 million levs issued by the bank under Mavrodiev's leadership to a company linked to Gaytanski.
Before leading the bank, Mavrodiev was head of the Financial Supervision Commission.
Exports decline in 2024
Due to low demand and falling prices, Bulgarian exports continue to lag behind last year's levels. Following a sharp drop in September, total exports for the first nine months of the year have decreased by 3.6% year-on-year, according to preliminary data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI). This decline follows a weak previous year, when exports fell by 6.5% compared to 2022.
Nearly all product categories are trending downward, with the main contributors being food products and the largest export sector-machinery, parts, and equipment.
Peevski vows today's will be the last peaceful protest
Supporters of Delyan Peevski and his breakaway faction MRF-New Beginning, as well as fringe party Velichie, gathered in Sofia today to protest against claims by opponents of electoral fraud and vote-buying. Peevski told his supporters that they were not "phantoms" but rather his "family".
