издател

Title: Bulgaria‘s Hospitality Industry Faces 20% VAT Hike, Warns Association Chair

Representatives of Bulgaria’s hospitality sector have expressed concern over the government’s plans to increase Value Added Tax (VAT) to 20% next year, potentially driving up costs and forcing businesses to pass them on to consumers.

Richard Alibev, Chair of the Association of Establishments, told NOVA BG that the situation is far from ideal, stating that parties that committed to extending low VAT rates have not yet lived up to their promises. He believes that if these parties do not act soon, prices in establishments could rise by 7% to 10% within a week.

Alibev emphasized the need to maintain the current 9% VAT rate for the hospitality sector, extend the zero VAT rate on bread until the end of 2025, and reinstate energy subsidies. He warned that any increase in VAT for the sector would be detrimental, given other inflating factors like energy prices, salaries, and potential alcohol and tobacco tax hikes.

Currently, the average salary for a waiter in Sofia is around 1,000-1,500 BGN, excluding tips. Alibev highlighted the importance of legalizing and taxing tips, ensuring fairness and transparency in the industry.

In an effort to maintain a responsible atmosphere, Alibev reminded the public that establishments do not allow minors under 18 to consume alcohol or smoke.

As the situation unfolds, hospitality businesses and consumers alike await decisive action from policymakers to mitigate the potential impacts of the upcoming VAT hike.

Title: Tragic Hunting Incident: Police Officer Shot Dead in Vidin, Bulgaria

A tragic hunting incident occurred in the Vidin region of Bulgaria today, resulting in the fatal shooting of a police officer. The 43-year-old victim was pronounced dead at the scene. A 48-year-old member of the hunting party has been detained as the prime suspect, with a criminal investigation underway.

The incident transpired in the vicinity of the Vidin village of Golемanovo. As the hunting party traversed the area, a stray bullet intended for large game struck the officer fatally. The group swiftly contacted emergency services, but medical teams arrived to find the officer deceased. Police rapidly cordoned off the area and initiated an investigation to establish the full details of the unfortunate event.

This devastating incident underscores the importance of safety protocols and responsible gun handling, especially in outdoor activities such as hunting. Our thoughts are with the family and colleagues of the deceased officer. The Bulgarian authorities are yet to release further details, and this story is developing.

Title: Bulgarian Midwives’ Dance with Newborns Sparks Social Media Backlash

Two midwives from Sliven, Bulgaria, have found themselves in hot water after a video surfaced online showing them dancing and singing with newborn babies, causing an uproar on social media. The video, which was quickly removed by the midwives, depicted the two healthcare professionals joyfully holding the infants and performing choreographed routines.

Despite their best efforts, the offending clip has circulated widely across social media platforms, with netizens expressing outrage and concern over the incident. In response, the director of the healthcare facility has confirmed that one of the midwives has already tendered her resignation, with the other set to follow suit on Monday. An investigation has been launched to look into the matter.

This unusual turn of events has raised questions about professional conduct and patient care in institutions that deal with the most vulnerable members of society.

Headline: Olympic Champion Carlos Nasar‘s Masseuse Attempts to Break Up Brawl on Bulgarian Highway

Article:

In a dramatic turn of events, world and Olympic weightlifting champion Carlos Nasar found himself in the midst of a heated woman-on-woman brawl on a Bulgarian highway. A video capturing the incident has since gone viral on social media platforms.

The clip, sourced from a car’s dashcam, shows three vehicles stopped on the "Struma" motorway near the exit for the village of Bosnek. A woman exits a car with a UK registration plate and begins pounding on another vehicle’s hood. She is then engaged in a scuffle with another woman who has stepped out of her own car. At this point, Carlos Nasar’s personal masseuse, Atanas Litkov, steps in, attempting to break up the fight. The Olympic champion can be seen exiting his vehicle, seemingly startled by the scene unfold before him. Litkov advises Nasar not to intervene, but the cause of the aggression remains unclear amidst the profanities and heated exchanges.

Social media reactions have been mixed, with some criticizing Nasar for not stepping in, while others have defended him, stating he didn’t even swore during the incident. Many viewers suspect the car whose dashcam recorded the fight might be at fault, citing the edited video that doesn’t show the initial cause of the argument.

Subsequent footage from Litkov’s dashcam reveals the genesis of the road rage incident. It shows the car with the attacking women veering into the left lane before abruptly applying its brakes, nearly causing a collision. Litkov’s swift reaction prevents a potential accident.

The assaulted woman has since filed a police report. The Second Police Department in Pernik has launched an investigation and plans to interrogate witnesses, including Nasar, for the case of road hooliganism. ofrece.

Title: Urgent Alert: HHC Vape Products Linked to Teen’s Tragic Death Prompt Nationwide Raids in Bulgaria

The Bulgarian Commission for Protection of Consumers (KZP) has launched a series of inspections on websites and commercial premises following a tragic incident in Pleven. A 14-year-old boy lost his life after falling from the seventh floor of a high-rise building, allegedly under the influence of Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), a cannabis-derived compound found in a vaping device.

Alarming Discoveries

Preliminary investigations revealed that the teen’s electronic device contained HHC, a substance banned under the country’s Narco Plants and Substances Law. HHC, a cannabis derivative, is included in the Scheduling I "Plants and Substances of High Risk to Public Health" list due to its dangerous effects when misused. It is also monitored by the European Union’s drug agency, EMCDDA, for its known psychoactive effects.

Wide-Ranging Operation

In the wake of this incident, KZP officials discovered over 20 websites offering HHC and its derivatives. They have forwarded these URLs to the Main Directorate "Fight Against Organized Crime" for immediate action, which may include site takedowns.

Many of these sites displayed certificates that were incorrectly perceived as licenses. However, the distribution of narcotics is a criminal offense, making licensing of such activities impossible.

Consumer Warnings

KZP is warning consumers about the severe dangers and illegality of using products containing HHC and its derivatives. So far, they have conducted nearly 200 inspections in specialized stores like tobacco and alcohol shops, convenience stores, and other small physical outlets across Bulgaria. One outlet in Varna was found selling products suspected to contain HHC.

Any confiscated products suspected of containing HHC or other banned substances will be sent to the licensed laboratory of the "Customs Agency" for analysis. If found positive, they will be banned from sale.

Operation in Progress

These inspections are ongoing, with KZP’s chairman, Maria Philippova, ensuring that all illegal products are removed from the market to protect Bulgarian consumers.

Title: Brutal End for Sofia Woman: Paramedics Struggled to Stabilize Her After Domestic Attack

A 40-year-old Sofia woman, identified as Evgenia Belovska, lost her life following a brutal domestic attack in a Bulgarian capital hospital on Thursday night. Belovska was severely beaten by her live-in partner, Araf Sadula, a Greek national, who has since been charged with murder.

Belovska’s sister, Stefka Belovska, provided grim details to Nova TV: "She had a iron rod stuck in her head. Two holes in the skull and a cable tying her head to the bed frame for stabilization – they said they had to do that because she had two broken and dislocated vertebrae, C4, and C5."

Evgenia Belovska, a vibrant soul trapped in a lifeless body, was unable to perform basic life functions such as breathing, eating, and drinking, her sister mournfully recalled.

The couple met in the Greek city of Xanthi, where Belovska worked as a waitress. Sadula, who is currently in Greek custody, faces five charges, including two counts of attempted murder and causing severe bodily harm.

The gruesome details of this tragic incident have shocked Bulgarians and emphasized the urgent need for stricter domestic violence laws and increased support for victims. We urge anyone caught in a similarly abusive situation to seek help through local hotlines and support services.

Headline: Bulgarian Dance Legend, Dimitar Manov, Passes Away

Bulgarian dance icon Dimitar Manov, known for his vibrant choreography and vast contributions to the country’s cultural scene, has left his last bow, as reported by BNT. The renowned choreographer and dance teacher was a long-standing soloist with the "Philip Kutev" ensemble, a mentor at the Sofia State Dance School, and the chief choreographer for the "Builders of Peace" and Bulgaria“>Bulgarian Army ensembles.

Manov was also the founder and artistic director of the "Tumburi" ensemble in the United States, reflecting his international influence in the dance world. His departure marks a significant loss for Bulgaria’s cultural heritage and the global dance community.

Tributes to the late choreographer will be held on January 5, 2025, at the capillary church "Saints Cyril and Methodius" in the capital city, Sofia. The service will commence at 13:00 (local time).

Rest in peace, Dimitar Manov – a legend, a pioneer, and a beacon of Bulgarian dance.

Headline: Kопривщица Mayor Denies Birds Died from New Year Fireworks; Calls for Further Investigation

Subhead: Maria Toromanova disputes "Green Balkans" claim, says birds found far from city; investigation underway.

Koprivshtitsa‘s mayor, Maria Toromanova, has challenged a claim by the non-governmental organization "Green Balkans" that hundreds of mountain choughs died in the New Year’s night near the town, with fireworks being cited as the cause. Toromanova maintains that the birds were found far from the city and that there were no fireworks in those areas.

Speaking about the incident, Toromanova said, "We learned about the incident through social media platforms. The ecologists who found the dead birds did not contact our municipality in any way. It’s logical that when such an issue occurs, they should contact us. They claimed they called the emergency number 112, but for me, that’s not true because all signals pass through our duty officers at the municipality."

Toromanova also pointed out that after the incident became public, residents of the city shared pictures on social media, taken before December 31, showing multiple bird carcasses. She stated, "Those hundreds of dead birds they’re talking about aren’t just from New Year’s night. I can’t say for sure what caused their deaths, but I don’t think it was the fireworks."

The mayor mentioned that there were indeed fireworks in the New Year’s night in Koprivshtitsa, but fewer than in previous years. However, she believes that if fireworks were the cause, there should be bird carcasses in larger populated areas where there were more fireworks.

Toromanova has asked the municipality administration to conduct an investigation and is currently looking for an independent laboratory to examine the birds and determine the cause of their deaths. She stated, "We do not deny that there were dead birds, but we see a trend in recent years where people are against New Year’s fireworks. So, we think the situation is more complex than it seems."

Pictures accompanying the article show images shared by "Green Balkans" on their Facebook page, depicting the mountain choughs that were found dead. The organization initially reported that the birds died from the shock caused by the loud noises and bright lights of the fireworks.

The mayor’s statements have sparked a debate in the community, with some residents supporting her stance while others call for a thorough and unbiased investigation.

Thunder’s Lethal Toll: Over 1,000 Birds Fall Victim in Kопривщица

A thunderstorm that swept through Kоприvshitsa has resulted in the death of approximately 1,000 birds, according to a local veterinarian who spoke to Nova TV. The powerful storm left the region’s feathered inhabitants stunned and disoriented, leading to numerous fatalities.

The veterinarian attributed the birds’ deaths to a combination of factors. The intense noise from the thunderclaps caused their hearts to race uncontrollably, with some succumbing to cardiac arrest. Others, panicked by the cacophony, flew erratically into trees, ultimately perishing from their injuries.

Pinpointing an exact death toll proved challenging due to some of the birds’ remains being devoured by wild and domestic animals.

This tragic event serves as a poignant reminder of nature’s raw power and the delicate balance of life within its ecosystems.

Title: Olympian Carlos Nasar Caught in Highway Brawl; Shocks Stunned Spectators

An explosive roadway altercation, captured on a dashcam, has left social media abuzz, with Olympic champion Carlos Nasar finding himself at the center of the storm. The video, devoid of context, shows a tense stand-off on the Struma Motorway, with three vehicles parked, and a woman lungeing towards others, striking cars and individuals.

Enter Aтанас Литков, Nasar’s personal masseur, who exits his vehicle and attempts to calm the situation. Then, shockingly, Nasar himself appears, stepping out of one of the cars, visibly taken aback by the chaos unfolding.

The clip captures heated exchanges, yet the catalyst for the aggression remains unclear. While some online commenters criticize Nasar for not intervening, others laud his restraint, emphasizing he neither instigated nor escalated the conflict.

Witnesses Point Fingers at Dashcam Vehicle

Many online users suspect the vehicle whose dashcam recorded the incident may be at fault, speculating the video was edited to omit the original cause of the altercation. As of now, the actual instigator remains uncertain.

Nasar, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in weightlifting, has not made a public statement regarding the incident. The case has been handed over to local authorities, who are currently investigating.

Watch the controversial video here [Youtube link]

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates.