Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev has alleged that large-scale illegal construction in the “Baba Alino” area was facilitated by a high-level “political umbrella” and accelerated while he was in custody. According to Kotsev, the development—which includes finished houses and building foundations—dates back to at least 2021, though the scope of the work expanded significantly during 2025.
Origins and Institutional Response
The history of the site in “Baba Alino” traces back to 2021, when the first act of tolerance was issued for the area. By 2023, photographic and video evidence from the State Forestry Department reportedly documented established foundations and completed structures. Mayor Kotsev stated that when his administration took over in late 2023, they were not notified of these developments by the GERB party. The Primorski district office, which maintains its own construction control and chief architect, began receiving citizen reports in mid-2024. Kotsev argues that it is a “myth” that the district authorities were unaware, noting that they were in a position to act on the site well before the central municipal administration intervened.
Did You Know? The first official orders to halt the illegal construction were issued on September 1, 2025, by the deputy mayor while Kotsev was in custody.
The Impact of Political Oversight
Kotsev characterizes the situation as a coordinated effort to silence institutional oversight, suggesting that various agencies were pressured to remain silent. He claims that during his time in detention in 2025, the illegal building work on the site was “hurried” to progress. The municipality only began more aggressive enforcement after requesting the files from the Primorski district to bypass what Kotsev described as slow procedures under the Spatial Planning Act (ZUT). The involvement of the State Agency for National Security (DANS) occurred in May and June 2025, when they requested construction documents from the city.
Expert Insight: The delay in administrative procedures—often cited as lasting three to eight months—highlights a significant vulnerability in municipal oversight. Kotsev’s assertion that his arrest and the site’s progress are linked suggests that local development issues can become entangled with broader political volatility, turning routine planning enforcement into a high-stakes institutional conflict.
Potential Next Steps for the Site
The municipal administration is now moving toward formal demolition procedures. According to the Mayor, the owner of the illegal structures will be issued a mandatory order to demolish the buildings. Should the owner fail to comply, the city plans to move toward seizing and freezing the owner’s assets to cover the costs of a state-led demolition. Recent changes in the national government, specifically following the resignation of the “Zhelyazkov” cabinet, have reportedly allowed for better cooperation with police and labor inspectors to enforce these measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the municipality first notice the large-scale construction?
According to Mayor Kotsev, the central municipal administration received its first indications of significant construction volumes in 2025, though the Primorski district office had received earlier citizen signals in mid-2024.
What is the status of the construction currently?
The city intends to serve the owner with an order for demolition. If the owner does not comply, the municipality plans to freeze the owner’s assets to fund the demolition process.
What role did the State Agency for National Security (DANS) play?
DANS became involved in May and June 2025, when they demanded the construction documents that had been issued by the municipality.
How should local authorities balance the need for rapid enforcement against the slow pace of legal planning procedures?
