Fast Reads

A Martyr of (Anti)corruption

Desislava Ivancheva, the ex-mayor of Sofia’s Mladost district, received the heaviest graft sentence in recent Bulgarian history but the authorities’ handling of the case stirred public outrage and sympathy for her.

GERB’s real (estate) troubles have just begun

A series of real estate scandals involving senior politicians, predominantly from the ruling GERB party or with ties to it, triggered hitherto unseen public outrage and serial resignations. The more profound effects are still to be felt

Building Irrelevancy in EU

Bulgaria’s decision to delay the nomination of its new European Commissioner because of domestic political expediency adds to the feeling in Brussels that the country is a second-class member state

Air force chief soaring to presi dency

Six months ago Rumen Radev was Air Force Commander almost unknown to the public. Today he’s arguably the most important person in Bulgarian politics.

Game of Regulators

The appointment of new chairpersons of the two of the main market watchdogs still doesn’t meet the standards for transparent and competent selection

The Refugee Issue may Make Bulgaria more Xenophobic

Bulgaria continues to receive refugees despite the EU-Turkey deal

Weaker Threat to the Government from the Left

BSP’s primary aim is to dominate the left-wing space, not to fight GERB or win the presidential elections

Bulgarian politics might be on the verge of systemic change

This is hardly good news for the country as it may lead to instability and turbulence