Новости за 19.02.2026

Friday, February 20, will bring dynamic and cloudy weather throughout Bulgaria, according to the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH). Atmospheric pressure is below the monthly average and is expected to remain largely stable. Precipitation is forecast for most regions, with stronger winds in the east and challenging conditions in the mountains. ...

GERB leader Boyko Borissov met with ministers from the outgoing “Zhelyazkov” cabinet after they formally handed over power to the caretaker government, using the gathering to review the work of the administration and outline the party’s next political steps. At GERB headquarters, Borissov was joined by former prime minister Rosen Zhelyazkov and key cabinet members, including Temenuzhka Petkova, Tomislav Donchev and Zhecho Stankov. Borissov praised each of them, arguing that Bulgaria had acted more... Читать дальше...

The Central Election Commission (CEC) has launched the practical phase of preparations for Bulgaria’s early parliamentary elections, scheduled for April 19, 2026 under Presidential Decree No. 58. The process is moving forward in line with the timelines and responsibilities set out in the Electoral Code. ...

Teams of volunteers searching for the missing fishing vessel near Sozopol have discovered an oil spill in the sea at the point where the ship’s signal was last detected. The presence of diesel fuel on the surface is being treated as a strong indication that the vessel suffered an accident and sank in this area. Further reading: Search Resumes for Three Fishermen Missing near Bulgaria’s Southern Coast ...

A 37-year-old Syrian citizen has been sentenced to four years in prison following a conviction for committing acts intended to satisfy sexual desire without intercourse and for extorting BGN 50, according to the Sofia District Prosecution Office. The case stems from an incident on September 6, 2023, at a public transport stop in Sofia. The defendant, identified as D....

European Parliament member Thomas Waitz stressed the urgent need for greater political commitment in North Macedonia to overcome the ongoing deadlock on constitutional amendments, emphasizing that progress must remain merit-based and closely tied to fundamental principles, particularly the rule of law, BGNES reported. His remarks come in relation to the draft report on North Macedonia for 2025, which will be presented to the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) on February 26, with amendments accepted until March 6. Читать дальше...

The announcement of the new caretaker cabinet led to a wide-ranging discussion on its role, extending beyond the immediate task of organizing elections. While questions of neutrality, competence, and public trust dominate the debate, analysts increasingly raise the possibility that the ministers selected may also signal the framework of a future governing coalition. Further reading: Oath Taken: New Caretaker Cabinet Takes Over in Bulgaria, Focus on Elections, Budget Stability and Rule of Law ...

A South Korean court has convicted former President Yoon Suk Yeol of insurrection, handing him a life sentence for his December 2024 martial law declaration, which judges ruled was a deliberate attempt to paralyze the National Assembly. Presiding Judge Ji Gwi-yeon stated that Yoon’s actions mobilized security forces in an illegal effort to seize unchecked power, detain politicians, and undermine constitutional order. The court noted that his declaration caused substantial social disruption and that Yoon had shown no remorse for his actions. Читать дальше...

Lukoil’s Burgas refinery has reported significant cost savings following the removal of its Switzerland-based intermediary, Litasco. Speaking to the parliamentary Committee on Economic Policy and Innovation, Rumen Spetsov, Lukoil’s Special Commercial Administrator, confirmed that the refinery now operates fully on market principles, with 86% of its production capacity currently in use. Spetsov emphasized that halting Russian oil imports has not led to higher fuel prices from the Burgas plant....

The United States has significantly increased its military presence in the Middle East, deploying warships, fighter jets, and aerial refueling aircraft in what could form the foundation for a sustained campaign against Iran, should President Donald Trump authorize action. Trump, who previously ordered strikes on Iran, has repeatedly threatened further military measures if ongoing nuclear negotiations fail to produce a replacement for the 2018 deal he abandoned. According to reports from CNN and CBS... Читать дальше...

Following the swearing-in of the caretaker cabinet, Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov addressed the National Assembly, emphasizing a government guided by reason rather than hysteria. He made it clear that his administration would not promise immediate reforms or miracles, but would focus on ensuring fair elections and maintaining stability. Gyurov outlined seven central tasks his cabinet would prioritize during its mandate. ...

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince Andrew, has been taken into custody in connection with an investigation into alleged misconduct in public office. The arrest comes as police examine his activities as a UK trade envoy, including alleged sharing of sensitive information with convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Thames Valley Police confirmed that a man in his sixties from Norfolk was arrested on 19 February and remains in custody....

Wizz Air, the leading airline in Bulgaria by market share, has announced the launch of a new direct route connecting Burgas with Radom, Poland. Flights on this line will operate twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, beginning on July 21, 2026, at the peak of the summer travel season. Tickets are now available through wizzair....

Delyan Peevski, leader of the DPS-New Beginning parliamentary group, issued a strongly worded statement in response to the swearing-in of the “Gyurov” caretaker government before the National Assembly. Peevski said his group did not honor the oath of the new cabinet, arguing that it “does not represent servants of the people” and labeling the process as “hypocrisy and substitution.” He criticized the government for failing to address what he described as the most serious threats to Bulgaria’s children. Читать дальше...

Deputy Chairwoman of the GERB parliamentary group, Denitsa Sacheva, voiced strong criticism of the new caretaker government immediately after its swearing-in, calling the appointment of the Deputy Prime Minister responsible for fair elections a “false start.” Speaking to journalists in the National Assembly, she questioned the choice of Stoil Tsitselkov, noting that his background does not inspire confidence in the government’s ability to ensure a transparent and impartial electoral process. Further reading... Читать дальше...

The transition of power in Bulgaria was marked by a formal ceremony in the Granite Hall of the Council of Ministers, where former Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov handed over authority to Acting Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov. Zhelyazkov described the moment as one of responsibility both accepted and transferred, emphasizing that in a political career, two dates stand out: the day a leader assumes office, filled with commitments and expectations, and the day they leave, a moment of reckoning where lessons are learned. Читать дальше...

GERB is set to hold a reporting and election national assembly on March 22 in Sofia, marking the start of the campaign for the early parliamentary elections scheduled for April 19. The party announced the upcoming congress in newspapers on Friday, highlighting that the agenda will focus on electing new leadership bodies, including the chairman. While the election of the chairman is largely formal and Boyko Borissov is expected to retain his post, changes are anticipated within both the Executive Committee and among the party’s deputy chairmen. Читать дальше...

A notable presence of US military aircraft has been observed at Terminal 1 of Sofia Airport in Bulgaria, according to former Deputy Foreign Minister and security analyst Milen Keremedchiev. In a post on Facebook, he reported that seven US Air Force tanker aircraft, used for aerial refueling of combat jets, are currently stationed at the airport. His remarks come amid growing international reporting that Washington is preparing for possible military action against Iran....

The caretaker government headed by Andrey Gyurov officially entered office after taking the oath before the National Assembly in the presence of President Iliana Yotova. Gyurov and the ministers pledged to observe the Constitution and the law, declaring that all their actions would be guided by the public interest. Further reading: Caretaker Government Appointed in Bulgaria, Early Elections Set for April 19 ...

The search for the fishing vessel with three people on board, which vanished east of cape Maslen Nos, is resuming this morning with an expanded effort. Alongside the official teams, eight groups of volunteers are joining the operation, patrolling the coastline between Sozopol and Primorsko. A drone will also be deployed to scan hard-to-reach areas. ...

Vice President Iliana Yotova has formalized the appointment of a caretaker government headed by Andrey Gyurov, the presidency announced on Thursday. With a separate decree, Yotova also set the date for early parliamentary elections, which will take place on April 19, 2026. A further decree determines the numbering, names, and territorial boundaries of the electoral districts for the vote. ...

Average household income per person in Bulgaria grew more strongly than spending during the last quarter of 2025, according to data from the National Statistical Institute. The quarterly total income per household member reached BGN 3,687 (€1,880), marking an increase of 9.4% compared to the same period in 2024....

Lyubomir Datsov, a member of Bulgaria’s Fiscal Council, has warned that the country faces a growing problem due to the lack of an anti-inflationary policy, despite the current inflation not being overly high. He made the remarks on NOVA NEWS, noting that while some inflation is normal as the economy adapts to changing circumstances, ignoring measures to curb it is a real concern. Datsov emphasized that citizens can distinguish between politicians offering empty populist promises and those who understand... Читать дальше...

Albania, Italy, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Romania have formally recognized Corridor 8 as a strategic axis for South-Eastern Europe, emphasizing its political, economic, and security significance, BGNES reported. The five countries signed a joint declaration in Tirana, affirming their commitment to develop the corridor into a functional artery of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T), with a direct role in supporting the gradual integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union. Читать дальше...