издател

Headline: Vanesa Kostova’s Childhood Home Transformed into Orthodox Temple in Burgas

Subheadline: Bulgaria’s legendary singer’s former residence in Dolno Ezerovo is now a sanctuary for the Old-Calendar Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

Article:

The humble abode where Bulgaria’s late music icon, Vanesa Kostova, spent her childhood has been reborn as a haven of tranquility and spirituality. The single-story house, once home to the rising star and her mother, a singer in her own right, is now the seat of the Old-Calendar Bulgarian Orthodox Church in Burgas.

Nestled at 15 Ulitsa "Khimik" in the once-rural community of Dolno Ezerovo, now a bustling quarter of Burgas, the house holds a unique place in Bulgarian cultural history. Kostova, who was born in the industrial city of Dimitrovgrad, moved to Burgas as a child with her mother, renting the property during their formative years.

The house, initially owned by local entrepreneur and philanthropist Stoyan Ganchev, passed through various hands after Kostova relocated to Sofia, where she lived with her son, Boian Mihaylov, a respected doctor and accomplished musician. The property’s subsequent fate remains shrouded in mystery, with theories ranging from its nationalization after 1944 to possible private sale without heirs.

Despite her extraordinary career, Kostova rarely spoke of her early life in Burgas. She would, however, acknowledge the influence her mother’s musical journey had on her own legendary path.

Now, the house that nurtured Bulgaria’s beloved "Tonika S.V." star has been meticulously restored and transformed into a place of worship. The Rev. Kiril Tabutov, Burgas’ Old-Calendar Orthodox Church representative, currently manages the property.

Ironically, the Old-Calendar Orthodox Church’s growing presence in Burgas has sparked debate among local churchgoers. Despite longstanding calls for a separate Burgas diocese, the region remains under the Sliвен (Sliven) Diocese’s jurisdiction. The newly formed "BURGAZLII" organization and local mayors have weighed in on the contentious issue, hoping to preserve spiritual unity amidst restituted church properties like Kostova’s childhood home.

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."

Parliamentary Committee Approves Four Electoral Code Amendment Bills at First Reading

In a significant development, the Legal Affairs Committee has approved four bills proposing changes to the Electoral Code at first reading. The move splits the committee’s political Landscape, with "DPS-Novo عيدChooser" voting against.

ITN’s Radical Proposal

Leading the charge was ITN with its comprehensive project, which includes a novel provision for the establishment of electoral commissions. This innovation aims to oversee the tallying of votes transparently and effectively.

GERB‘s 91-Point Plan

GERB presented a vast proposal covering 91 articles. Their flagship changes include dismantling the traditional paper ballot box ("We believe it should vanish from the electoral process," explained Petr Petrov) in favor of digital innovation.

Videosurveillance and Section Caps

GERB also backed video surveillance during the aggregation of results and proposed a cap on the number of electoral sections outside the European Union (a move opposed by other factions due to logistical concerns).

BSP, PP, and DPS-Novo مابisperse Their Views

Diverse opinions echoed through the committee as BSP and PP presented their respective proposals. BSP advocated for a return to mechanical counting machines, dubbing it a vote of confidence in citizens’ trust. PP, on the other hand, routed for greater flexibility in electoral procedures without elaborating on specifics.

ITN and GERB.animate Unity

In a rare display of bipartisanship, both ITN and GERB signaled support for all four bills at first reading, vowing to work together to refine the proposals by the second reading.

The ‘Hurry Up, Slow Down’ Dilemma

Maia Manolova, a guest at the committee, cautioned that the Supreme Court’s ongoing case on electoral procedures might stump future plans. She urged against hastening the electoral process (despite political pressures), warning that repercussions could be severe if the Court’s ruling is overlooked. Time, it seems, remains of the essence in Bulgaria’s democratic journey.

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.

Title: Bullish on Utilities: Winter Shortages Spark Fresh Investment in Gen-Sets across Bulgaria

Wrapping up weeks of power shortage woes after a harsh December, Bulgaria appears to be riding a wave of investment in uninterruptible electricity sources. Traditionally, reliance on the mainstream grid has proved insufficient, often leaving homes huddled before flickering oil lamps and burning logs. While the government scratches its collective head over years of underfunded infrastructure—with some suspecting political reasons behind the persistent issues—homes and business owners are diversifying their choices.

‘It’s Simple Math’ – The Case of the 50-Year-Old Man

In Western Bulgaria, some 52,000 square-kilometers maintained by "Energy Holding" Group’s "Distributed Electric Grid West" subdivision, a scenario is playing itself out. Post-Christmas finds a 60-year veteran of the mining industry, tired of the long, dark wait for the much-awaited electricity, outsmarted the system on his own merit. The gentleman, huffing and puffing, returned home with a 900 Lew (€600/~$600) generator — a small enough investment to end his family’s winter blues: "It won’t power everyone, but what can you lose?" he philosophized.

Meteors can’t be predicted, storms can’t—especially in volatile winter months—a reality that pushed this man not to wait.

The Dilemmas of the District Heating Operators

Eastern Bulgaria experiences similar woes, with heating plants and combined heat and power (CHP) plants barely surviving the demands of the city. The average age of assets in the main heat distribution facilities is 60 years across the country! While the privatization of EAD "Coal-Based Integrated Energy Systems " in 1990s was done with the laudable dream of attracting necessary investments, recent events have seen a lack-luster performance leaving much to imagination.

Will the Government Crack the Lethargic Infrastructure Nut and Bolts on Time?

Mediocre upgrades and maintenance combined with a lack of regulatory clarity have spurred a sluggish pace from the private vendors. The EAD "Elen" operates 1.2 million thermal power plants distributed across 820 different locations, under the watchdog of the CEZ Group. Despite the company-wide commitment to renewable energy, challenges persist.

Faced with pressure from the authorities, the Czech energy giant’s Bulgarian subsidiary continues to invest in an upgrade of EAD "Sofia – South" heat distribution — a project originally scheduled for an end in Spring 2023! But with little to show up to now – it’s proving to be tight.

Hope for the Frigid Future?

Title: Bulgarian Hospital Staff Under Fire for Dancing with Newborns in ‘Inappropriate’ Video

A video circulating on social media has sparked outrage and sparked an investigation after it showed healthcare workers dancing with newborn babies at a Bulgarian hospital. The clip was filmed in the neonatal department of the Multiprofile Active Medical Complex "Dr. Ivan Sелимински" in the town of Sliven on December 27, but was only published online on January 3.

The footage, set to pop-folk music, showed two women, identified as part of the hospital’s medical team, dancing while holding swaddled newborns. The video has caused an uproar among the public and a swift response from healthcare authorities.

Reactions and Investigation

"We deeply regret this situation," said one of the dancers, Yanа Miterva, in a media statement. "It was not created with the intention to hurt anyone. I love my job more than anything, and I treat the children I care for with immense love."

However, the public reaction has been critical, with many social media users accusing the hospital staff of neglecting their duties and endangering the babies. The hospital management has since taken action, informing the actual parents of the babies featured in the video.

Consequences

Yanа Miterva admitted that the video was published without her consent and expressed remorse for the backlash. "I accept and understand the reaction from those who saw the video," she said. "My intention was purely for those babies, and nothing was done to harm anyone."

Both Miterva and the colleague who filmed the video are no longer part of the neonatal department. According to Bulgarian news outlet NOVA, Miterva left the department by her own choice at the end of last year, while her colleague will be dismissed from her position next week.

Impact on Healthcare Image

This incident has drawn attention to the potential impact of staff behavior on the public’s perception of healthcare professionals. Miterva lamented that people who do not know her personally may form negative opinions about her based solely on the video.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of professional conduct and respect for patient care, even in seemingly innocent moments. As investigations continue, the Bulgarian healthcare authority emphasizes its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care and professionalism.

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.