Silence of the masters

The refusal of those in power to talk to the media risks further eroding what little public trust both still enjoy

Remember those scandals

Before the COVID-19 crisis took center stage a series of crisis seemed to be shaking the government. Now they are conveniently overlooked.

The words you need to know this month

Bulgarian automobile market: Growing but getting older

In 2019, the share of diesel engines and vehicles that were more than 20 years old kept increasing

No water to clean the garbage

Many Bulgarian towns live on water rationing and next to piles of imported waste because of intentional neglect by the authorities.

Geshev Unchained

The new Bulgarian Prosecutor General Ivan Geshev moved into first gear from the outset, picking fights with oligarchs, rural criminals and even the president himself. Is he aiming at something bigger than just crime busting?

Why Greta is not so great in easter Europe

The new EU Member States are only grudgingly toeing Brussels’ line on climate change

When civic engagement works in Bulgaria

Bulgarians are often said to be insufficiently engaged civically but some cases prove otherwise

Every breath we take

Sofia still faces a lack of efficient monitoring and initiative among the authorities to battle air pollution

The Deputy-PM Waging Multiple Wars at Once

Valeri Simeonov has proven himself as the most racy and controversial member of the third Borissov cabinet

Five Years After

Bulgaria’s will to protest might seem exhausted in the years following the summer of 2013, but dissatisfaction with the country’s politics still simmers

Is it really greens vs business in Bansko?

The possibility of Bansko ski zone expansion into the Pirin National Park sparked nation-wide protests, international public scandals and inter-institutional bickering, revealing the degree to which the Bulgarians state is captured by private interests

The one thing that frightens him

Prime Minister Boyko Borissov has a weak spot for protests - especially when they target him or touch on sensitive topics

Three risks to a smooth presidency

Bulgaria’s presidency of the Council of the EU is likely to run well but corruption, ultra-nationalists and language used by PM Boyko Borissov could spoil it all.