168 часа

Bulgarian Banking Legend Stilian Vatev Passes Away at 68

In a somber Facebook post, Olegs Nedialkov, a former CEO and co-founder of OBDB (Oбединена българска банка), announced the passing of his colleague and friend, Stilian Vatev. Vatev, 68, was a titan in the Bulgarian banking sector, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Vatev began his career in 1981, serving in various roles at the Bulgarian National Bank until 1990. He then joined OBDB, serving as Executive Director from 1993 and subsequently as Chief Executive Officer from mid-1997 to mid-2017. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in shaping the bank’s trajectory and solidifying its position in the competitive financial landscape.

Beyond OBDB, Vatev’s influence extended to the industry at large. He served as a member of the Association of Commercial Banks‘ Management Board from 1997 to 2004 and again in 2014, occupying the position of Vice-Chairman for a time. His expertise was also sought after internationally; he was a member of the Managing Board of the Advisory Committee of Mastercard Europe (Europay).

Vatev’s leadership reached beyond banking. He helmed several companies, including "OBDB – MetLife – Life Insurance" AD, "OBDB – Charis – General Insurance" AD, "OBDB Asset Management" AD, and "Interleas" AD. Moreover, he served as a director on the boards of "OBDB – Insurance Broker" and "Central Depository" AD.

The banking world mourns the loss of Vatev, a man who dedicated his life to propelling the Bulgarian banking sector forward. His impact on the industry will long be felt, and his legacy as a pioneer and visionary will continue to inspire future generations of bankers. Rest in peace, Stilian Vatev.

Headline:

Kiрил Petkov receives indictment for Borisov’s arrest; Party supporters gather at prosecutor’s office

Article:

Bulgarian politician Kiрил Petkov, co-chair of the "Continue the Change" party, arrived at the prosecutor’s office today to receive his indictment for the arrest of former Prime Minister Boyko Borisov. Petkov was accompanied by a multitude of supporters, including family, party members, and fellow politicians.

Petkov retained the renowned lawyer Daniela Dokovska as his legal representation. Upon arrival, he was greeted by cheering supporters, among whom were his wife Lindа Petkova, Mayor of Sofia Vasil Terziev, former Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov, Asen Vasilev, ATANAS ATanasov, Lena Borislavova, Ivailo Mirchev, Yavor Bожанков, Bожидар Божанов, and other party deputies.

" Today’s indictment is not just about me, but about everyone who has been harmed because there is no justice in Bulgaria. They’re calling me for something that happened three years ago. Lacho has been in detention for three weeks without any fault. They even want the immunity of Lena Borislavova. Sarafoff is one of the tools of the machine, but this machine won’t stop with him," Petkov stated.

Petkov also declared that he will not stop until this system is dismantled. "I will enter and declare that I have not committed any crime. I’ve already waived my immunity to show that they can’t manipulate us," he added. Petkov also expressed his lack of trust in Chief Prosecutor Angel Kokaev.

Photos:

[1] Supporters of Kiiril Petkov gather outside the prosecutor’s office on Gerkovna Street.
[2] Kiiril Petkov greets his supporters and shakes hands before entering the prosecutor’s office.
[3] Asen Vasilev embraces Kiiril Petkov before he enters the prosecutor’s office for questioning.
[4] Kiiril Petkov and his wife Lindа Petkova arrive at the prosecutor’s office.

Pull Quote:

" We won’t be silent. That’s why we’re here and we’ll be here until we make Bulgaria the kind of country we want to live in for ourselves and our children." – Nikolai Denkov, former Prime Minister.

Tags:

Kiiril Petkov, Continue the Change party, Boyko Borisov, Bulgaria, politics, arrest, indictment, prosecutor’s office, Daniela Dokovska, justice.

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Bulgarians Crave Simplicity in TV – Producers Weigh In

In a candid revelation, producer Judy Halvajian has shared insight into what Bulgarian viewers truly desire in their television content. According to Halvajian, the secret lies in simplicity. "People want simplicity!" she asserts. "If something is more intellectually stimulating, it will be watched, but not as much as something that’s more absurd."

This perspective has been echoed by Halvajian’s brother, who further opines that this reality is a sad but significant reality in Bulgaria. Their sentiments shine a light on the nation’s TV viewing habits, offering producers and content creators a glimpse into what resonates with Bulgarian audiences.

As the country’s TV landscape continues to evolve, understanding these preferences becomes increasingly crucial. By catering to the appetite for simplicity and the occasional dash of absurdity, producers can create programming that not only entertains but also connects with Bulgarian viewers on a deeper level.

Headline: Sofia Implements Green Ticket to Curb Winter Smog; Nearly 40,000 Passengers Adopt Public Transport

In a bid to mitigate Sofia’s notorious winter smog issue, the city implemented a green ticket on Thursday, January 7, when harmful PM10 particles were within normal limits. The move, which was preventive and extended into Friday, encouraged residents to opt for public transport instead of driving. Around 40,000 passengers bought green tickets by 12 PM on Thursday.

The green ticket, costing an additional 0.60 BGN (around 0.32 EUR) to the regular fare of 1.60 BGN, was aimed at reducing traffic congestion and lowering pollution levels. However, many passengers found themselves paying the regular fare with their cards, despite the green ticket being in effect. The city’s Center for Urban Mobility clarified that existing 30+ or 60+ tickets would not be converted automatically to green tickets; passengers needed to purchase them separately.

Citizens and experts alike queried why the green ticket wasn’t introduced earlier, during the thick smog on Wednesday. According to updated rules, the green ticket is enforced when PM10 levels reach or are forecasted to exceed 100 μg/m³, measured at two stations. On January 7, stations in "Надежда," "Дружба," "Хиподрума," "Павлово," "Младост," and on "Париж" Street all exceeded this threshold, indicating that a green ticket should have been implemented on Thursday as well.

From January 7 onwards, mechanical street cleaning with heavy-duty public transport vehicles began in several districts, including "Средец," "Оборище," "Връбница," "Младост," "Възраждане," "Красно село," "Искър," and "Изгрев."

Sofia’s struggle with polluted air during winter is well-established, with geographical factors and urban development contributing to the issue. Bearing 55.97% of the blame, residential heating with solid fuels is identified as the primary culprit. To combat this, the city implemented a ban on wood and coal heating in nine districts as of January 1, affecting around 1,600 households. As an alternative, the municipality offers free replacement of old stoves with new, cleaner devices, with nearly 5,000 households expressing interest.

Enforcement of the heating ban is carried out by mobile teams from the Sofia Municipal Inspection and the Municipal Directorate for Emergency Assistance and Prevention. From January 1 to 7, 213 checks were performed, resulting in 70 inspections and 57 acts issued against violators. Additionally, old and polluting vehicles are barred from entering the city center between December 1 and February’s end. Since the implementation of the low-emission zone, the number of violators has halved, with around 2,000 vehicles entering daily, compared to the initial 20,000 detected by traffic cameras.

Bulgarian Musician andArtist Rossen Karamfilov Condemns Maneula‘s Father After Embezzlement Revelation

Rossen Karamfilov, a renowned Bulgarian singer, poet, and artist, has lashed out against Krasimir Gorsov, the father of Maneula, who was severely injured in an accident involving racing driver Maxim Staviski. The outburst follows the recent revelation by TV host Vladislav Vergala that Gorsov embezzled 360,000 Lev (approximately $191,000) from his daughter’s medical fund to gamble, subsequently disappearing without a trace.

"Remember this face," Karamfilov urged in a statement. "This is the face of evil. This is Krasimir Gorsov, the father of Maneula, who was left permanently disabled in the crash with Maxim Staviski. This ‘father’ stole 360,000 Lev from his daughter’s treatment account and vanished without a trace, leaving his shattered daughter to fend for herself, oblivious to whether she would live or die."

Karamfilov, son of late renowned artist Kolyo Karamfilov, expressed his outrage on social media, describing Gorsov as a metaphor for a system that is harming Bulgaria and a embodiment of the country’s gambling addiction. He called for a stand against parental "vultures" and unscrupulous individuals, both in Bulgaria and abroad.

Maneula’s accident with Maxim Staviski, a well-known Bulgarian racing driver, made headlines in 2020. The incident left her with severe injuries, and her family launched a fundraiser for her medical expenses. It was later discovered that Krasimir Gorsov, her father, had embezzled a significant portion of these funds, leaving his daughter’s recovery in jeopardy.

The revelation has sparked outrage among Bulgarians, with many condemning Gorsov’s actions and calling for justice. As the story continues to unfold, Rossen Karamfilov’s statement serves as a powerful rallying cry against corruption and the neglect of vulnerable individuals.

Turning 40: Bulgarian Weather Presenter Eva Kikerezova Reflects on Life’s Ups and Downs, Thanks Ahead of Time for Every Storm and Sunbeam

Today, Bulgarian weather presenter Eva Kikerezova turns 40, a milestone she’s celebrating on social media with a unique story about a prophecy made 18 years ago. In 2004, the late astrologer Ivan Stanchev predicted that Eva’s true life would only begin at the age of 40.

"I was just 19 when he told me this. I remember being shocked, my jaw dropped, and I was literally breathless," she recalls with a laugh. Today, Eva is grateful for every challenge and moment of joy in her life, looking forward to experiencing the true essence of life post-40.

The renowned sinopti"רchka, as she’s fondly known, finds herself reflecting on her journey. From those early days in broadcasting to becoming a household name, Eva’s career has been a testament to her resilience and passion. But it’s her personal growth that she’s particularly proud of, thanks in part to Stanchev’s prophecy.

"I’ve weathered many storms in my life, both personally and professionally," she says. "But now, as I turn 40, I find myself more at peace, more accepting, and more excited about what’s to come. I’m ready to embrace every sunbeam and every storm."

As Eva blows out her birthday candles, she does so with a spirit of gratitude and anticipation. Here’s to Eva Kikerezova, and to the many more years of bringing weather forecasts and inspiring stories into Bulgarian homes. Sending many warm wishes her way!

Bulgarian Artist Rossen Karamfilov Condemns Krasimir Gorsov for Embezzling Funds Meant for His Disabled Daughter

In a recent outburst, Bulgarian artist, singer, and poet Rossen Karamfilov lambasted Krasimir Gorsov, the father of Manuel, who was severely disabled in an accident involving Maximum Staviski. Karamfilov’s righteous fury was sparked by Vladislav Vergalov’s recent revelation that Gorsov had embezzled 360,000 BGN from his daughter’s medical fund for gambling, disappearing without a trace just before Christmas.

"Remember this face," Karamfilov warned, "This is the face of evil. This is Krasimir Gorsov, the father of Maneula, who was irreparably harmed in the accident with Maximum Staviski. This ‘father’ stole 360,000 BGN from his daughter’s medical account and vanished without a trace, leaving his wrecked child to fend for herself, uncaring if she lived or died."

Karamfilov sees Gorsov as a symbol of the flawed system that’s destroying Bulgaria. "He’s a gambling addict, a product of our society’s decay. He’s the evil that can only be conquered by good. We must expose him. He’s a black hole, a demon lurking around every corner. We must fight against such demons, against rampant parents like him, and against the unscrupulous worldwide," Karamfilov added, son of renowned painter Kolio Karamfilov.

Bulgaria Braces for Sharp Weather Change: Rain, Snow, and Misting Ahead

Bulgarian meteorologist Petrov Yanukov has announced a significant shift in the country’s weather pattern, with rain and snow expected to hit parts of the country in the coming days.

As of tomorrow evening, residents of Northwest Bulgaria can expect rainfall that will transition into snowfall, with Yanukov warning of potential ice formation along the Vidin-Montana line in the evening. Motorists are urged to keep an eye on temperature fluctuations.

Friday is expected to be misty, with visibility dropping below 100 meters in some areas, posing a significant risk to drivers, according to Yanukov’s interview with Bulgaria ON AIR.

Come Saturday, temperatures will rise in Western and Northern Bulgaria, leading to the accumulation of a 1-2 cm snow cover.

Sunday brings rain and snow to the southern parts of the country, with up to 15 cm of snow expected in mountainous regions. Temperatures will hover around 2-5°C, with Sofia expected to reach around 2°C. The snow cover in southwestern Bulgaria could cause mobility issues.

Despite the harsh weather, Yanukov highlighted Saturday as the ideal day for high-altitude tourism, noting that temperatures in the mountains are relatively mild compared to the January average.

Looking ahead to next week, Yanukov predicts a cold spell with temperatures ranging from -1°C to 4-5°C.

Monday and Tuesday will see widespread rainfall and snowfall, with snow cover expected to exceed 20 cm in some areas. Even the Black Sea coast will receive a light snowfall of 2-3 cm. In midweek, Dobrudja is expected to see clear skies before the cold spell resumes.

While mists may not be constant, visibility could be reduced due to snowfall and higher humidity, the meteorologist warned.

In positive news, Yanukov expects air currents to flow into the Sofia valley today and tomorrow, helping to clear the polluted air in lower layers.

Cultural Minister Expresses Dissatisfaction with Appointment of Deputy Minister by Bulgarian PM

Bulgarian Minister of Culture, Nayden Todorov, has voiced his dissatisfaction with the appointment of Ildiko Ganev as deputy minister by Prime Minister Dimitur Glavchev.

Todorov stated, "Despite knowing my reservations, the Premier went ahead and appointed Ganev, which has led to communication difficulties in the first two months." He further elucidated, "In April, following discussions with [opposition leader] Hristо Mutafchiev, I proposed Ganev to the Premier. After the government change in August, Ganev was reappointed without my consultation."

Comparing the previous regime, Todorov remarked, "In Galab Donev’s cabinet, there was better synergy with the deputy ministers." He also mentioned that Glavchev appointed another deputy minister, Kalin Velov, with whom he maintains regular communication.

When asked about his deputies’ loyalty, Todorov said, "I don’t dwell on such questions. I focus on ensuring my actions align with my principles. I’m not here to lead battles; I want to see progress in the cultural sector."

Clarifying his stance on the theaters’ financial woes, Todorov commented, "A closed financial system cannot sustain an open one. Theater arts face annual funding shortfalls. Around 5 million BGN is still unpaid, and the budget has run out."

Regarding the safety of the Pangour Treasure at the museum "Echi", Todorov reassured, "There’s no imminent threat to our artifacts or collections. The museum is well-secured with double walls and fire-resistant materials. The treasure is insured, and we hope it won’t come to that."

Expressing confidence in the museum’s preparations, he said, "The ‘Echi’ museum will remain closed until at least January 13. The thorough preparations for this exhibition involved several years of collaboration between Bulgarian museums and ‘Echi’."

According to Todorov, the tourism earnings from the Pangour Treasure’s exhibitions amount to six-digit figures.