статия

Judicial Minister Maria Pavlov: Procedural Changes Aim to Complicate Borislav Saradov’s Appointment as Chief Prosecutor

In a unanimous vote, the Legal Affairs Committee of the Bulgaria Parliament has approved changes to the judiciary law proposed by GERB-UDF, ITN, and Revival. The amendments, which include introducing double majorities for the election of leaders of the Supreme Court of Cassation (VSS) and Supreme Administrative Court (VSAS), were supported by 23 votes from GERB-UDF and ITN, and 20 votes from Revival. The changes are expected to make it more difficult for Borislav Saradov to be appointed as chief prosecutor.

The proposals consist of three main components:

1. Double Majorities: GERB-UDF and ITN’s project reintroduces the concept of double majorities, where decisions for the top courts should be made by a majority of VSS Plenum members elected by judges, following international standards.
2. Appointment Procedure: All three projects suggest increasing the number of votes required for the president to re-nominate the chief prosecutor from 13 to 17 in case of a re-vote.
3. Mandates: GERB-UDF proposes barring individuals from serving two terms as chief prosecutor or head of VSAS and VSS, and preventing former acting judges from running for full terms.

The project from Revival aims to prevent the outgoing VSS from electing the chief prosecutor and the head of VSAS, emphasizing morality as a guiding principle. In contrast, ITN suggests appointing two deputy chief prosecutors and eliminating the possibility of appointing magistrates to unoccupied positions.

Minister of Justice Maria Pavlov and Theodosia Tochkova, head of the Supreme Judicial Council’s inspection body, attended the committee meeting. However, representatives from the Supreme Court of Cassation, Supreme Administrative Court, and Supreme Prosecutorial College could not attend due to ongoing holidays and the courts’ absence from their deliberations.

The next committee meeting is scheduled for January 16, the date set for Borislav Saradov’s appointment as chief prosecutor. Petar Petrov from Revival and Atanas Slavov from GERB-UDF discussed the potential consequences of Saradov’s prolonged tenure.

GERB deputy Raya Nazaryan supports all three projects but noted the lack of input from professional circles. She emphasized the need for a short deadline to finalize the texts, stating that their goal is clear, and they will approach the issue responsibly. Alexander Rashkov from ITN and BSP – United Left also highlighted the absence of professional input and the need to swiftly finalize the texts.

Judicial Minister Maria Pavlov criticized the rushed nature of each subsequent judicial reform, stating, "This is not the way – hastily and piecemeal. The procedure will not end on January 16; this is a lengthy process."

Bulgarian Political Storm: GERB MP Challenges PП’s Asen Vasilev for Budget Committee Chair

The first meeting of the budget committee kicked off with a bang today, as GERB MP Delyan Dobrev challenged the suitability of PП’s Asen Vasilev to chair the session. Dobrev argued that Vasilev lacked the necessary moral and professional qualities for the role. Vasilev, however, did not put Dobrev’s proposal to a vote.

In a move that shocked the committee, Dobrev, supported by his Democratic Bulgaria (DB) party colleagues, successfully challenged the agenda. The revised agenda saw the removal of discussions on tax law amendments, which typically precede budget approval. Instead, the committee will now focus on listening to Serving Finance Minister Ludmila Petkova, discussing changes to the VAT law, and debating the so-called "Government of Glavchev" law on revenue collection and expenditure.

Before diving into the new agenda, the committee established its rules of procedure. The meeting continues with Petkova’s presentation, with more details to follow.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

Headline:
Bulgaria‘s National Health Insurance Fund Chief Sounds Alarm on Overspending, Fraud

Subhead:
Stanimir Mihaylov reveals increases in expensive medical procedures, suspends suspicions of information leaks.

In a recent interview with "This Morning," Stanimir Mihaylov, the newly reinstated head of Bulgaria’s National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), expressed concern over rapidly escalating healthcare costs. Mihaylov, who resumed his post two months ago, found the fund’s expenditure had ballooned to 104 million BGN.

Explaining the surge, Mihaylov pointed to a stark increase in reported healthcare activity following a Constitutional Court decision. While the number of hospitalizations has risen significantly—an average of 9.6%—there’s been no corresponding increase in reported illnesses, epidemics, or population growth. Mihaylov suggests that this may indicate manipulation of clinical pathways, with patients being funneled toward more expensive treatments.

"Substantially, this means the NHIF is being drained," Mihaylov warned. He also announced that fraud exceeding 500,000 BGN has been discovered in several regional healthcare funds, with the capital, Pловdiv, and Blagoevgrad seeing the most significant violations. Mihaylov suspects that there may be leaks within the system tipping off hospitals about upcoming NHIF audits.

Looking ahead, Mihaylov emphasized the crucial importance of ensuring adequate healthcare funding in the 2025 budget.

Ivanovden Marks a Day of Renewal and Hope on January 7

Mark your calendars, as Ivanovden is being celebrated today, on January 7. This special day signifies a time of renewal, fresh starts, and blessings for the year ahead.

According to our records, a significant number of Bulgarians are celebrating today—precisely 329,954, comprising 210,822 men and 119,132 women.

In honor of this festive occasion, we’ve scoured our archives to bring you three of the most popular illustrations by Iváylo Nínov that have brought laughter and joy to our readers in the past year, courtesy of the witty Málaga-based teenager, Mali Ivancho. Enjoy these light-hearted moments as we look forward to more humor and cheer in the coming year.

[Insert Images: three illustrations by Iváylo Nínov featuring Mali Ivancho]

Happy Ivanovden! May your day be filled with laughter, love, and renewed hope for the future.

B Jésus of ‘Southwestern Medical Center‘ Resign After Newborn’s Death

The doctors at Mnogoprofilna Bolnitsa za Aktiveno Lekuvane "Yugozapadna Bolnitsa" have rescinded their resignation letters, following the incident involving the newborn who passed away in an ambulance en route from Sandanski to the hospital in Petrich, BTA News reports.

On December 11, 29 doctors from the hospital submitted notices of resignation due to the harsh criticism they faced following the incident. However, they have now decided to withdraw their resignations, citing the support they have received from the local community and the public at large.

Dr. Dimitar Stanchev, head of the cardiology department, commented on the situation, "We all gathered together with the mayors of the municipalities and decided to withdraw our resignations at this stage. We have the support of the entire community, and that means a lot to us. We believe it would be unfair to the people who respect us to leave them without a hospital."

The doctors initially stepped down amidst public outcry and allegations of poor treatment of the newborn, who succumbed to severe pneumonia. The incident has sparked a debate about healthcare quality and resources in the region.

While the doctors have decided to stay, the hospital’s administration has launched an internal investigation to ensure such incidents do not recur. The hospital management has also vowed to improve communication and transparency with the public to address any concerns or criticisms.

As the doctors remain dedicated to their posts, the hospital continues to serve the community, ensuring that quality healthcare remains accessible to all residents in the region.

Bulgaria‘s Political Stalemate: A Déjà Vu of Old Arguments

In a familiar turn of events, Bulgaria’s political parties have resorted to the same arguments that stalled negotiations last year. One side insists the issue is personal, while the other maintains it’s about an agreement. This political Groundhog Day has left observers wondering if a breakthrough is possible.

Political scientist Professor Rumyana Kolarova, speaking on BTV, suggested a potential compromise: a deal could be struck where Tsvetan Tsvetanov is not elected prosecutor in exchange for Rosen Plevneliev becoming prime minister. However, Kolarova herself acknowledged that the situation is fluid and unpredictable.

GERB-SDS announced they were ending coalition talks after DBC was reported to oppose Plevneliev’s candidacy for prime minister. But Kolarova questioned whether the parties are truly seeking a compromise. "Gerb wants recognition of Plevneliev as a legitimate prime minister in exchange for stepping back on Tsvetanov," she said.

Professor Maria Pirgova urged parties to consider the interests of the state and the people, not just their own. "None of these parties are connected to industry, business, citizens, education, or reforms. They have no set programmatic goals," she said, adding that Bulgaria needs effective governance, not political infighting.

Meanwhile, Associate Professor Daniel Smilov pointed out the suspicious timing of the negotiations. After a month and a half with no talks, some progress was made just before the holidays, only to collapse on the first working day afterward. Smilov believes this suggests plans for an April election, a scenario he thinks benefits no one.

As Bulgaria’s political landscape remains in flux, one thing is clear: the country needs a functional government, and the people deserve better than a repeat of last year’s stalemate.

Leading Presenter’s Shocking Diagnosis and Her Century-Long Keepsakes Museum

Miraca, the charming TV host, has revealed a shocking diagnosis that has prompted her to rush into creating a century-long keepsakes museum. Despite recently posting continuous clips of her adventures in snowy mountains, the TV presenter has not yet made a full recovery. Mira Dobрева, the former partner of director Zhoro Tornev, surprised the public by sharing that her coma in 2020 was not caused by peritonitis, contrary to previous reports.

Mira stated, "I have a frightening diagnosis – a progressive septic condition and acute respiratory failure. I still don’t have all the answers, neither do the doctors. I still sometimes struggle to catch my breath, I’m not completely recovered. But I haven’t fallen into despair; I’m not a victim, and that’s what I’m most proud of. I checked out of the hospital and returned to work because I believe it’s part of my recovery."

Mira’s second motivation for setting up the museum is the lack of space in her home for her century-long birthday gifts. "All my cabinets are full, I can’t even turn around. I urgently need to find a place to exhibit the most valuable ones," she told "Bulgaria Dnes".

In her current collection, Mira’s most valuable item is the tea cup of ‘Baba Hania’. Although she hasn’t had it appraised, it’s undoubtedly an antique dating back over a century. Mira said, "For me, these items have firstly emotional value. I want them to be preserved and illustrate the significance of every human life for future generations."

Her plans for the museum include a special corner for the tea cup and other valuable items. Despite receiving offers for a building, she’s yet to make a decision. "I’m meeting with those people right after the holidays," she revealed.

Mira has so far met 107 century-olds and found that most of them live in cities, challenging the notion that clean water, healthy food, and fresh air are the keys to longevity. She’s particularly excited about exhibiting recent technology items, like old mobile phones, to showcase human progress.

Her interest in documenting the lives of long-livers was sparked during a live TV interview when an actress, 101-year-old ‘Baba Bisera’, couldn’t travel for the premiere. Mira was moved, and later that night, she got the woman’s phone number and drove to her home, an experience she described as life-changing.

Mira is also considering a special corner in her museum for the gifts given to her by 105-year-old ‘Baba Dora’, who initially inspired the idea. These include clothes carefully preserved by the elder woman, along with a beloved plant that she wants Mira to care for.

Breaking News: GERB-SDS Terminates Coalition Talks, Blames Democratic Bulgaria

In a sudden turn of events, GERB-SDS has decided to terminate coalition talks to form a new government. The party announced its decision in a statement released to the media today.

"The negotiations with ‘Democratic Bulgaria’ following the general elections have not yielded a consensus on the composition of the future government and the nominee for the Prime Minister‘s position," the statement read. This conclusion was drawn from the latest meeting of negotiating teams from GERB-SDS, Democratic Bulgaria, BSP – United Left, and ITN held at the National Assembly.

GERB-SDS initially nominated Boyko Borisov as their candidate for Prime Minister, but this was rejected by Democratic Bulgaria. In response, GERB-SDS presented an alternative candidate, Rosen Plevneliev. However, Democratic Bulgaria categorically rejected this nomination as well, leading GERB-SDS to walk away from the talks.

Despite the breakdown in negotiations, GERB-SDS expressed gratitude to the teams from BSP – United Left and ITN for their participation in the talks and praised their constructive approach.

The prospects of a coalition government between the four parties seemed promising just two months ago when the 51st National Assembly first convened. In an unexpected move on the second day of the new year, GERB invited the three potential partner parties for a closed-door meeting at the National Assembly to discuss a joint governing strategy. Talks for a coalition government resumed on January 4.

The failure to reach an agreement comes as a significant setback in the formation of a new government following the April elections. As the political drama unfolds, all eyes are on the next move from each party involved.

Bulgarian Composer Alexander Sailevich’s Condition Critical After Gas Explosion

Bulgarian composer Alexander Sailevich remains in critical condition following a gas explosion at his home in the capital’s Lозенец neighborhood. The incident occurred last night, leaving the 66-year-old musician with severe and extensive burns, including to his upper respiratory tract.

Sailevich, a prominent figure in Bulgarian classical music, is currently being treated in the intensive care unit at Vladimir vom Warszewitz Military Medical Academy, also known as "Пирогов". Medical staff has revealed that once his condition stabilizes, he will undergo necessary surgical procedures.

Fans and fellow musicians continue to express their support and concern for Sailevich’s recovery. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation by local authorities.

Princess Kalina of Bulgaria rings in 2025 with close friends, expressing hopes for health and prosperity in the new year. The royal daughter, joined by Spanish actor Kitan Munoz and long-time friend and riding instructor, Yonka, spent the evening celebrating together. In the spirit of the occasion, Princess Kalina wished, “Above all, I wish health for everyone. Hopefully, the rest will fall into place. I hope the year is abundant for all.”