Новости за 18.12.2025

The opposition coalition “We Continuing the Change-Democratic Bulgaria” (WCC-DB) is testing whether the momentum of public demonstrations can be sustained even after the resignation of Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov’s government. Thousands have gathered in Sofia. Their demand is for fair elections and a change in the Electoral Code. ...

On Friday, most lowland areas and valleys will experience cloudy skies and fog, while the mountains will enjoy mostly sunny conditions, according to the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH) forecast for December 19. By late afternoon, a northeast wind will begin to pick up and become stronger. Minimum temperatures are expected to range between minus 4° and 1° Celsius, with slightly higher values along the Black Sea coast....

Wizz Air, a leading airline in Bulgaria, has announced a new direct route connecting Varna with Rome’s Fiumicino Airport. Scheduled to begin on September 22, 2026, the service will operate three times a week - on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays - offering enhanced connectivity between Bulgaria and one of its most popular travel destinations, Italy. Tickets are now available for purchase via wizzair....

Fitch Ratings has revised its outlook for Bulgaria’s public finances downward, increasing its projections for future budget deficits, while keeping the country’s sovereign credit rating unchanged at BBB+ with a stable outlook. The rating was raised earlier in the year, following the announcement of Bulgaria’s forthcoming entry into the eurozone, which the agency says is not at risk. In its assessment, Fitch points to the resignation of the Bulgarian government as a sign of the difficulties surrounding the implementation of structural reforms... Читать дальше...

A formal ceremony at the Third Air Base marked the official induction of eight F-16 Block 70 fighter jets into service with the Bulgarian Air Force. Senior government officials, military leadership and representatives of the United States attended the event, which coincided with the arrival of the final two aircraft under the first contract. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation in resignation Tomislav Donchev expressed gratitude to all institutions involved in the lengthy process of... Читать дальше...

All seven Bulgarian nominees for the post of European Prosecutor have been cleared to take part in a public hearing, after meeting the formal eligibility requirements. The decision was taken unanimously by the seven-member selection commission appointed by Justice Minister Georgi Georgiev and chaired by Deputy Minister Stoyan Lazarov. The candidates submitted documents on time proving the required length of magistrate experience, as well as certified English language proficiency at B2 level. ...

The Sofia Directorate of Internal Affairs has finalized its security arrangements ahead of tonight’s large protest in the so-called Triangle of Power in central Sofia, according to the director of the capital’s police, Chief Commissioner Lyubomir Nikolov. He announced that police will set up 20 checkpoints in the area. Individuals identified as potential provocateurs will be subject to checks, while plainclothes operatives will be deployed among the demonstrators to observe and report any irregular... Читать дальше...

Bulgaria is moving toward another early parliamentary election in spring 2026, after political formations in the current National Assembly confirmed to President Rumen Radev that forming a new government within this legislature is unfeasible. In the meantime, MPs approved an “extended budget,” allowing the state to operate for up to three months without a regular financial framework for the new year. Until a full law is passed, revenues will continue to be collected under the current rules, and salaries... Читать дальше...

Bulgaria officially received its first eight F-16 Block 70 fighter jets, which were presented today at the Third Air Base near Plovdiv. The ceremony was attended by retired Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov, Chief of Defense Admiral Emil Eftimov, Deputy Prime Ministers Tomislav Donchev and Grozdan Karadjov, Interior Minister Daniel Mitov, Air Force Commander Major General Nikolay Rusev, and Martin McDowell, Acting U.S....

Bulgarian weightlifter and Olympic medalist Bozhidar Andreev has tested positive for a banned substance, the International Testing Agency (ITA) confirmed. The independent anti-doping body overseeing the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) program detected a metabolite of the anabolic steroid mesterolone in an out-of-competition sample collected on October 15, 2025. Mesterolone, known for its potent androgenic effects, boosts testosterone levels and enhances male sexual characteristics....

Radostin Vassilev, leader of the parliamentary group “Morality, Unity, Honor” (MECH), argued during consultations with President Rumen Radev that the government resigned not due to parliamentary opposition, but because of widespread public protests. Speaking in Brussels, he said the cabinet led by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov was formed through political betrayals, particularly by TISP and BSP, which alienated much of their voter base. Over the past year, Vassilev claimed, the majority failed to make functional decisions... Читать дальше...

Tonight, Sofia is set to witness two simultaneous protests in the city center, both aimed at voicing public dissatisfaction with the government. The demonstrations, officially registered with the Sofia Municipality and coordinated through social media, are expected to merge into a larger collective protest. The first gathering will take place at 6:00 p....

Ivan Ivanov has been officially named the 2025 World Champion in the juniors and youth category by the International Tennis Federation, becoming the first Bulgarian player to receive this distinction at global level. The ITF published its annual individual rankings today, covering nine separate categories: men’s and women’s singles and doubles, wheelchair singles and doubles, players with severe visual and hearing impairments, as well as champions among boys and girls under 19. Ivanov topped the boys’ standings. Читать дальше...

US President Donald Trump used a pre-holiday address from the White House on Wednesday to present his first year back in office as a success, seeking to play down public concern about the economy and dismissing risks for Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Speaking for nearly 20 minutes, Trump framed his presidency as a recovery effort, arguing that the problems Americans are facing today stem from decisions taken before he returned to power. Blame placed on Biden ...

The expansion of the European Union towards the Western Balkans will proceed strictly on the basis of individual merit and full respect for international obligations already undertaken by candidate countries, including the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighbourliness and Cooperation between Bulgaria and North Macedonia. This is outlined in the Brussels Declaration adopted at the EU-Western Balkans summit held in Brussels on December 17. The meeting brought together the heads of state and government of all Western Balkan candidate countries... Читать дальше...

Boyan Radev, Bulgaria’s first two-time Olympic wrestling champion and one of the most respected figures in Bulgarian sport and culture, has died at the age of 83. The news was confirmed by journalist Ivo Dimitrov, who paid tribute to Radev with an emotional farewell, describing him as a mentor and an unforgettable personality whose influence extended far beyond sport. Radev was born on February 25, 1942, in the village of Mosino, now a district of Pernik....

The state-owned chain “People Shop” is reportedly exceeding expectations in its early days of operation, according to executive director Nikolay Petrov in an interview with Bulgarian National Radio. He emphasized that the company’s primary goal is to support consumers, and he expressed hope that it will continue operating independently of government oversight. We remind you that "People Shop" is connected to a controversial politician and oligarch, sanctioned under the Magnitsky Act, and leader of DPS-New Beginning... Читать дальше...

The European Parliament in Strasbourg approved on Tuesday a measure to introduce a temporary “sudden brake” on the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, which covers Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The mechanism would allow tariff preferences for certain sensitive products, including beef and poultry, to be temporarily suspended. The measure now moves to negotiations with the EU member states in the Council....