Bulgarian Political Arena Engulfed in Corruption Allegations: Tax Hike Looming?

Sofia, Bulgaria – The Bulgarian political landscape is once again rocked by allegations of corruption, this time centering around the “We Continue the Change” (PP) party. Assen Vassilev,a prominent figure within the PP,addressed these concerns in a recent interview,shedding light on the swirling accusations and potential fiscal challenges facing the nation. The scrutiny comes amid debates over government spending and whispers of impending tax increases, creating a tense atmosphere in the capital.

Petkov‘s Involvement Under Scrutiny

Reports indicate that kiril Petkov, a key figure in the PP, allegedly contacted several former Members Of Parliament (MPs), seeking their potential involvement in district mayoral teams. According to Vassilev, Petkov’s actions were merely exploratory, aiming to assess their usefulness without exerting undue pressure.

district mayors reportedly responded that thay did not require additional personnel. “There is nothing wrong with this, but there is no pressure”, Vasilev stated, downplaying the significance of Petkov’s outreach.

Allegations Of Pressure And “Scandalous Records”

The controversy stems from accusations that district mayors faced pressure to appoint individuals linked to the PP. Specifically, allegations surfaced regarding attempts to secure a Deputy Mayor position in Lyulin for an associate of Lena Borislavova.Vasilev vehemently denies any such pressure,emphasizing that no appointments materialized consequently.

Adding fuel to the fire are “scandalous records,” the origin of which remains unclear. The Mayor Of Lyulin has denied creating the record,and it is considered illegal.Vasilev described the content of the recording as “absolutely unacceptable conversation that talks to make a corruption scheme.”

Barbutov’s Duty

Nikola Barbutov, the former Deputy Mayor Of Sofia, bears responsibility for his actions and comments recorded. According to Vassilev, the party leadership was unaware of the recording, and the Metropolitan Municipality had no knowledge of such activities. Vassilev stressed the need for accountability, calling for sworn testimony and potential legal consequences for any wrongdoing.

Resignation And Fiscal Concerns Rise

Petkov’s resignation as an MP was approved by the National Assembly with a vote of 197 in favor, none against, and eight abstentions.This decision occurred amidst broader discussions about Bulgaria’s financial stability. Vassilev warned of impending tax hikes and increased government debt, attributing this to the government’s inability to meet budget targets.

Looming Tax Increases?

Assen Vassilev highlighted concerning trends in Bulgaria’s budget, noting a shift from a surplus of BGN 146 million in may 2024 to a deficit of BGN 2.6 billion in May 2025. this fiscal deterioration raises concerns about the government’s ability to maintain current spending levels without resorting to unpopular measures.

Vasilev criticized the current Finance Minister, Temenuzhka Petkova, for what he perceives as mismanagement of state finances, notably regarding the implementation of financial measures. He claims the government is doing “bad” with state finances.

Budgetary Risks And Municipal Projects

Vasilev pointed out that budget revenue growth lags behind expenditure growth, with revenues increasing by 11.5% compared to a 16.4% rise in expenses for the first five months of the year. This disparity creates a significant deficit, perhaps leading to cuts in capital expenditures for municipalities.

He also highlighted the risk associated with potential delays in payments under the Recovery And Resistance Plan (PV). while the renegotiation of the PV, approved by the European Commission, is considered positive, uncertainty remains regarding timely disbursement of funds.

Future Political Maneuvering

Looking ahead, Vassilev announced that the National Council of the PP will convene on July 12 to discuss a potential vote of no confidence against the Zhelyazkov cabinet, focusing primarily on health-related issues. This move signals ongoing political tensions and the potential for further instability in the coming weeks.

The State Of Bulgarian Finances: Key Indicators